Preparations in place ahead of Central Coast storm

KEYT on November 13, 2025

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Local county and city officials say preparations are in place ahead of this week’s upcoming storm.

In Santa Maria, the Public Works Department has been getting set for the precipitation that is expected to fall over the next few days.

“We’re looking at two to three inches coming into Santa Maria,” said Brett Fulgoni, Santa Maria Public Works Director. “Luckily, it’s going to be spread out, but nonetheless a good a good rain event, so our crews, when this happens, we go out and pre-stage different equipment around town, get ready to close roads if needed, make sure storm drains are cleared and, make sure that any road hazards are highlighted.”

Fulgoni added drivers will need to be especially careful in many of the newly repaved streets that have been worked on over the past several weeks.

“We’ve certainly had a lot of construction around town,” said Fulgoni. “There’s new traffic patterns on on various roadways and there’s new chip seal on roads, so the way the road has reacted in the past may not be the way the road is going to react in the storm, so just take it easy and be careful. We do expect Black Road to flood. That will likely be closed, but otherwise there’s just so much construction happening around the city that it’s important for people to just take care and and be careful around those construction zones.”

In San Luis Obispo County, officials there are also keeping a close eye on the forecast and are ready to react should any weather-related situations warrant a response.

“What the county’s really doing at this point is just trying to get people prepared,” said Anita Konopa, San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Coordinator. “It’s kind of our same messaging that we always give before a significant storm, but really hoping that people are listening to that message, so be aware of your surroundings. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, now’s the time to go get those sandbags and get them filled up and get them in place. If you’re going to have to travel during the weather, make sure that you have gas. Make sure that your windshield wipers are working. If you don’t need to be out on the road, maybe don’t travel this evening and through this weekend, so just some of those things that that we encourage people to do before every storm.”

As for any particular geographic area that could see more impacts than others, Konopa indicated the North Coast may receive more significant rainfall that other county locations.

“There are two different areas that we’re kind of looking at what National Weather Service is telling us is that, the highest intensity of rain and the most amount of rain could be in the Santa Lucia mountains, so kind of looking at the North Coast and Cambria, those areas tend to get more rain in general,” said Konopa. “That is supposed to prove true for this storm as well. Depending on which outlook you’re looking at from the National Weather Service, we could be looking at upwards of three inches in the Cambria area, so people in that area should definitely be prepared for potential flooding should that forecast come true.

“What National Weather Service is telling us is that, the highest intensity of rain and the most amount of rain is kind of be in the Santa Lucia mountains.”

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‘It’s dire:’ Bartlett Center grapples with funding emergency as cuts threaten organization

News-Press NOW on November 13, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Every morning begins with a glimmer of hope for LaTonya Williams, executive director of the Bartlett Center, as she carries out the first of daily searches for potential grant opportunities.

For the many non-profits and social service groups scrambling in the wake of drastic cuts to grant funding, it’s more than just assistance; it’s a vital lifeline drying up. 

“I look every afternoon over naptime in the building, since it’s usually kind of quiet. And I look every night before I go to bed, just in case I missed something,” Williams said. “In the past, it was easier. But that’s all kind of dried up now.”

The Bartlett Center, a critical support system for more than 200 kids and families each year, is sounding the alarms about a drastic reduction in outside funding sources that have long supported operations. They range from licensed preschool and childcare services to afterschool and family resource services, among many others.

Established in 1939 in Midtown, St. Joseph, the Bartlett Center is now operating at less than 40% of its regular funding capacity compared to previous years, despite key support from the City and the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.

Until now, a majority of its grant funding — a total of around $200,000 — came from outside organizations in the form of federal grant awards or donations, which have either been eliminated or frozen.

“That (40%) is on a good month, if that. When I say things are really dire, I mean extreme,” she said. “If enrolling more kids means I need another member of the staff, then I’m not able to enroll more kids.”

It’s a reality that’s caused lost sleep and mounting stress for her and others working overtime — sometimes 18-hour days in a variety of roles — to help maintain services, particularly as the number of parents seeking childcare continues to grow.

The Bartlett Center currently provides support for newborns all the way up to high schoolers, with students from nearly a dozen schools across all age levels. It’s a major lifeline for parents, as well, who often struggle to find childcare services in St. Joseph, which is often regarded as a childcare desert.

“I’m looking at these parents, and I know that I’m their only avenue, and at times now I have to tell them no, and it breaks my heart every single time,” she said. “A majority of our kids are those other agencies are not able to accommodate. And we’re able to do that.”

That includes assistance for kids with developmental disabilities like autism. A large number of kids come from very challenging home environments or have been through trauma, including some who have faced homelessness.

Williams has seen many cases where stable and consistent childcare has helped parents maintain jobs, particularly if an emergency arises and the parent is unable to leave work, highlighting the greater role childcare services play in family stability.

“So it’s also an employer issue. So employers want their employees to work, but you can’t come to work if they don’t have childcare,” said Tama Wagner, member of the Bartlett Center Board of Directors.

Add to it the fact that many households have had to balance growing challenges with rising costs, and in recent weeks, uncertainties about the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds.

Despite near-daily concerns about the future of the center, Williams was adamant: Closing is not an option. 

With most staff working hourly, the center has had to streamline services to ensure staffing can be maintained for all programs.

Prior to the latest funding cuts, the Bartlett Center was experiencing a gradual decline in financial support post-COVID-19. Williams is aware of the similar challenge that many other organizations are facing.

“Even a year ago, I was able to apply for a grant for special needs or inclusionary efforts. I’m no longer able to do that. It plays a really big part in this,” Williams said. “It’s easy to say. It’s a preschool. It’s a daycare. It’s an afterschool. No, it’s way more than that. We give people a lifeline.”

The Bartlett Center has a storied place in St. Joseph’s history. Named after the Rev. George A. Bartlett, the center began as one of the few places in St. Joseph where Black residents could gather for recreation, education and civic engagement.

Post segregation, the center has since evolved into an all-encompassing organization, offering spaces for youth athletics, community outreach and academic support to pair with childcare and afterschool programs.

“Bartlett Center has a long history of stepping up for families. We’re committed to providing high-quality youth, family, and community resources, and we’re grateful for the staff, partners, and supporters who help make this mission possible,” Bartlett Center Board President Jayne Roberts said. ““Our board is dedicated to ensuring Bartlett Center remains a trusted, transparent, and mission-driven resource for the families we serve.

As Bartlett Center officials exhaust efforts to strengthen financial support, they’re staying optimistic, particularly as the state prepares to roll out a new child care subsidy model designed to provide more financial stability for providers. 

The program shifts subsidy payments to a “pay on enrollment” mode at the beginning of the month based on authorized enrollment, not just attendance as previously. 

“It will enroll at the beginning of the year. And that’s going to be a game changer,” Williams said. “It’s a new day and we’re adjusting. We need a new plan, a new business model moving forward.” 

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Three people injured, including one critically, in Palm Springs crash

KESQ on November 13, 2025

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A traffic collision has led to a road closure near Ramon Road and El Placer in Palm Springs Thursday afternoon.

Details on the crash were not immeditely available; however, Palm Springs confirmed two vehicles were involved.

Police said three people were injured in the crash, including one person who is in critical condition.

Roads were closed for several hours, but reopened by 3 p.m.

Police said drugs and/or alcohol do not appear to be a factor at this time.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact the Palm Springs Police Department Traffic Division at 760-323-8125.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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The ‘Spirit of Isla Vista’ Tested by Proposed Music Ban During Deltopia

KEYT on November 13, 2025

John Palminteri

ISLA VISTA, Calif. (KEYT) – A town hall meeting brought out many sides of life in Isla Vista Wednesday night where a proposed ban on amplified music was discussed.

It would go into place the week after the Spring Break during an unpermitted event known as Deltopia. It draws thousands of locals and out-of-towners every year to the densely packed community.

Many residents are UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College students, but there are year-round permanent residents and families who have built a life in the unincorporated area of Santa Barbara County. It is not a city.

The Isla Vista Community Services District, The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, and UC Santa Barbara – both student leaders and staff realize Deltopia is a massive event with few barriers.

The 72-hour proposed ban on amplified music being advanced by the Sheriff’s Department is on a timeline to go to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors in January to be on the books by the time the event takes place in the Spring.

Many of those commenting said it would have a negative effect and impact the “spirit of Isla Vista.”

One speaker said these events are organic and make the area special for the time they are living there.

Some long-time residents say it is hard to live with these massive events, for their families and just generally getting in and out of their homes.

There were also historic information listings on arrests, citations, thousands of dollars in costs every year, injuries, and deaths.

(More details, photos and videos will be added here later today.)

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The Genesis Of The Los Alamos Merchant Association

KEYT on November 13, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

LOS ALAMOS, Calif. (KEYT) – The small town of Los Alamos is gearing up to put itself on the map in bold!

After a successful Halloween event this year called “Boo On Bell,” the owner of Los Alamos Coffee And Tea is taking the lead to bolster local businesses through collaboration.

“We are in a small town of about 1200, give or take, and we have kind of been a sleepy town for quite some time and we are seeing some growth,” says Alison Height, Los Alamos Coffee And Tea’s owner. “We just had 58 homes built in the area. And so that’s kind of bringing in more families, more young kids, more young adults. And I just feel like we needed more collaboration with all the businesses.”

The Los Alamos Merchants Association is approved by the state of California as a nonprofit organization. While they await the IRS’ final stamp on their 501(c)(6) status, they’re open for at least five additional business owner members.

“We’re still working on the bylaws, so that’s something we’re currently talking about,” says Height. “But I’d like to have as many merchants as possible be on the board. I want to be all inclusive.”

Some of the association’s potential annual and seasonal events include Snow In Ferrini Park, Summer Movies In The Park, a pumpkin patch, and corn maze experience.

Not to mention concerts, beautification projects, and yearly ‘Santa’s Village’ holiday merchant fairs.

“When the merchants collaborate allows for cross promotion and that increases foot traffic,” says Brittney Vanderleigh, Old Orcutt Merchants Association’s President. “It also allows for coordinated hours, which is a huge thing for us here in Los Alamos because there is quite a bit of a dark time, dark windows in this town. We want to avoid that as much as possible, especially during the summer months.”

In late December an announcement will invite locals and tourists to January’s stamp card challenge, in preparation for a Valentine’s Day raffle prize.

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Second Round of Rain Launches Sandbag Stations on Central Coast

KEYT on November 13, 2025

News Channel 3-12

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KEYT) – The public is urged to prep for a second round of rain, looking to hit the Central Coast starting Thursday morning. Sandbag locations are being set up to help protect property from possible flood damage.

The City of the Santa Barbara has announced Sandbag Stations for the public:

Sandbag Stations (Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m):

City Annex Yard – 401 East Yanonali Street

City Fire Station 7 – 2411 Stanwood Drive

The city says the stations are self-serve, and are available to residents free of charge. Bring your own gloves and shovels and be prepared to fill the bags you need.

Learn how to fill and store sandbags.

Fill your sandbags halfway so they are not too heavy to lift and can be stacked properly. Residents are reminded to bring their own gloves and shovels, and can take no more than 20 sandbags per trip.

For information on Sandbag Stations throughout Santa Barbara County click here.

For information on Sandbag Stations throughout San Luis Obispo County click here.

For information on Sandbag Stations throughout Ventura County click here.

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Deschutes County commissioners to take up proposed five-district map, recommended by committee on 4-3 vote

KTVZ on November 13, 2025

KTVZ

(Update: Commissioners to take up district mapping on Wednesday)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County commissioners next Wednesday will take up a contentious five-district map for future commissioner elections, recommended on a recent 4-3 vote by an advisory committee.

The proposal is the last item on next Wednesday’s county commission meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. The agenda indicates a likely time of 11 a.m. for that discussion, although changes can occur during board meetings.

Here’s the issue summary from county staff on the map, other recommendations and the process to this point:

District mapping issue summaryDownload

Earlier story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ-November 13) — On Wednesday, the Deschutes County District Mapping Advisory Committee voted to send a proposed county five-commissioner district map to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.

The committee selected Map C as its final proposed map and recommended the Board assign district numbers by random drawing. The vote was 4-3: Bernie Brader, Matt Cyrus, Ned Dempsey, and Phil Henderson in favor and Andrew Kaza, Carol Loesche, and Melanie Kebler opposed.

Staff will present the DMAC’s findings and the recommended map at a Board of County Commissioners meeting in the coming weeks. If the Board approves the proposal, voters will vote on it in the May 2026 primary. If voters approve the map, it will take effect during the 2028 election.

Background

In November 2024, voters approved Measure 9-173 to expand the BOCC from three to five members. In response, the Board met several times to consider moving from five at-large positions to district-based positions. A majority of the Board voted to appoint a committee of seven community volunteers to draft a district map. Commissioners DeBone and Adair appointed two committee members each and Commissioner Chang appointed three.

The DMAC held weekly work sessions starting in early September to draft a map with approximately equal populations in each commissioner district. Over the course of 11 weeks, committee members reviewed several draft maps using Board-approved guidelines, Deschutes County voter registration data, 2020 census data, race and ethnicity population data and building permit trends since 2022.

For more information about the DMAC, including meeting minutes, draft maps and community feedback, please visit deschutes.org/dmac.

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Second redistricting lawsuit pushed to Nov. 21 because of judge change

KMIZ on November 13, 2025

Alison Patton

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Cole County judge was supposed to hear arguments Thursday on a redistricting lawsuit filed by a group that wants to get the governor’s “Missouri First” map on the 2026 ballot, but an intervenor stepped in and was granted a judge change.

Put Missouri First is a political group backing the new congressional map, and has now pushed the trial to Nov. 21.

People Not Politicians attorney Chuck Hatfield said intervenors can be anyone who has a stake in the lawsuit.

An attorney for Put Missouri First said the stake for his client is campaign money and advocacy–as in wanting to protect the congressional map.

According to the Missouri Ethics Commission, the group received $50,000 from the National Republican Congressional Committee and another $50,000 from the Republican National Committee. Put Missouri First received both contributions on Nov. 5.

Hatfield said Thursday’s actions were out of line.

“The shenanigans that are happening here are unprecedented. They’re ridiculous and they’re undemocratic,” Hatfield said.

People Not Politicians sued Secretary of State Denny Hoskins for failing to approve a referendum to overturn the new congressional map passed by the Missouri General Assembly.

The group argues this is illegal because the form was rejected — not for its content, but because the governor didn’t sign the new congressional maps into law, which People Not Politicians says is the problem.

The state argues this lawsuit is no longer relevant because Hoskins has already approved the referendum for circulation, according to pretrial briefs.

People Not Politicians Executive Director Richard von Glahn said 92,000 people signed the referendum petition before Hoskins approved it.

“Because of these delays and tactics, they’re not sure if they should sign the petition a second time or not, and the secretary of state has insinuated that if they do, they’re breaking the law,” von Glahn said.

Hoskins approved the exact ballot language that was submitted before and was rejected. von Glahn said signatures can be collected as soon as it’s submitted.

Shortly after approving the referendum, Hoskins filed a federal lawsuit to stop the petition from circulating, arguing that a referendum can’t be done on congressional redistricting. A federal judge is set to hear those arguments in November.

When Hoskins approved the referendum, he said in a press release that any signatures collected before approval are invalid. People Not Politicians will argue in Thursday’s trial that signatures can be collected once the form has been submitted.

The state will argue that it is a moot point because signatures haven’t been submitted yet, according to the pretrial brief.

The new congressional map is likely to cut out a Democratic seat in Congress.

During Wednesday’s trial, on a separate redistricting lawsuit, the state claimed the lawsuit was a political matter, saying the plaintiffs were upset with the state’s move to redistrict and the political gains in Congress.

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Community invited to find out ‘who killed Sherlock Holmes’

News-Press NOW on November 13, 2025

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) —  The Main Street Saint Joseph and the Wayward Dreamers Guild are looking for local mystery lovers, detectives and investigators to take part in “The Great Detect-Off”.

The Downtown Murder Mystery Walk Fundraiser will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15.

In “The Great Detect-Off”, Sherlock Holmes has been murdered, and it’s up to the community to find out who did it.

Participants will be able to interview an assortment of pop-culture detectives, collect clues over the course of an evening while exploring Downtown St. Joseph and combine it all into a theory- shocking everyone.

The investigation will begin at the Downtown Concession building, and participants will check in, get a wristband, a location map, and the first clue. All participants must check in no later than 5:30 p.m.

A reenactment of the murder will take place at 6:45 p.m. at the Downtown gazebo in Coleman Hawkins Park. The reenactment will be followed by a costume contest and prizes.

For more information, call 816-259-6852. Tickets are available at givebutter.com/uS982z.

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Gem State remembers four murdered University of Idaho students on third anniversary

KIFI on November 13, 2025

Seth Ratliff

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) — Thursday, November 13, 2025, marks the solemn three-year anniversary of the devastating murders of four University of Idaho students.

A memorial to the victims at the Mad Greek restaurant in Moscow, Idaho: Seth Randal, December 2023.

The lives of Kaylee Goncalves, Maddison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were tragically cut short by the violent acts of confessed killer Bryan Kohberger. The victims were discovered in the off-campus residence they shared on King Road in Moscow, Idaho.

RELATED: A timeline of the killings of four University of Idaho students

The Victims: Lives Remembered

In the years since the killings, the four students have been remembered not just for the manner of their deaths, but for the lives they led and the futures they were building.

Kaylee Goncalves (left) and Maddie Mogen (right)

Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, were best friends who grew up together in North Idaho. Mogen was pursuing a degree in Marketing, and Goncalves was a senior majoring in General Studies.

Acquired Through MGN Online on 11/14/2022

Xana Kernodle, 20, from Post Falls, Idaho, was studying Marketing and had recently joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Her boyfriend and fellow victim, Ethan Chapin, was a 20-year-old freshman and a triplet from Mount Vernon, Washington.

In the wake of the tragedy, the University of Idaho has taken steps to honor the memory of the four students. At the Spring Commencement in May 2023, the university awarded each of the victims with posthumous degrees. Over a year after the horrific crime, the house where the murders occurred, located on King Road, was demolished on December 28, 2023.

Last year, the university established the Vandal Healing Garden on campus, a permanent memorial for the students. Marking the third anniversary of the killings, the university shared a collection of photos taken in the garden on social media, committing to keep the four students “Forever in our hearts.”

Vandal Healing Garden, Courtesy University of Idaho

State of Idaho Remembers U of I Victims

On this solemn anniversary, the State of Idaho paused to remember the victims. Governor Brad Little took to social media to express support for the victims’ families and loved ones, acknowledging the enduring impact of the killings on the entire state.

“The tragic loss of Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin shook our state to its core,” said Little. “Idahoans continue to offer our love and support to the families and many, many loved ones of these four beautiful souls.”

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