Deltopia Becomes No-topia, New Permitted Event in the Works

John Palminteri

ISLA VISTA, Calif. (KEYT) – A new effort is underway to have an organized Spring celebration in Isla Vista that reigns in the crowds known to show up for the unpermitted Deltopia event, which was recently silenced by the County Board of Supervisors.

Santa Barbara County Supervisors voted to have a noise ordinance, banning amplified music on and near the dates when Deltopia would be taking place.

To still bring the community together for a festival event under more sanctioned activities, the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) has a plan in the works. The organizers and board members did have alternative activities last year to get the crowds away from the overloaded Del Playa Drive and reduce issues with medical calls, first responder access, and the dangers of cliff falls.

It was well received in the park settings with live bands, free water, tacos and safe resting areas.

A similar festival vibe is on the drawing board and funding has come in that amounts to about $240,000 from the IVCSD and also the A.S. Board at UC Santa Barbara nearby, which has been joining the recent events that serve the student population in Isla Vista in a safe way.

The festival has no name as of now, but organizers are looking for suggested names as part of their outreach.

Last night was a work session and town hall meeting to lay out the plan, show a color map and give the timeline that has to be met for approvals prior to the April 4th festivities.

Even if the event falls short on the approval, the IVCSD will be providing extra bathrooms, water stations and resources to help with safe community services, in anticipation of an active scene.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department is already budgeting to have resources on duty that would be in line with a large event.

In a presentation to the Board of Supervisors recently prior to the noise ban,  the Sheriff’s Isla Vista Foot Patrol cited the burden of the unpermitted event with numerous calls for service, medical emergencies, injuries, overloaded emergency room beds, a broken crowded balcony and over the past 15 year, two deaths.

The report also cited thousands of dollars in county funds spent on managing the event needs beyond what a normal weekend would need. This is taking place as the county budget is forecasted to be facing a multi-million dollar deficit.

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

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Better Business Bureau: How to spot a trustworthy contractor before you hire

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Hiring a reliable contractor can be daunting, but it’s one of the most important steps for your project.

Hire the right one, and you can relax knowing your project is in good hands. Hire the wrong one, and you could face a wide range of problems, from unfinished work to tense contract disputes and even legal action.

When hiring the right fit for your home improvement project, consider the following seven tips on how to find a trustworthy contractor:

1. Do your research

Once you’ve properly planned your project and know what kind of professional you need, you can get cracking on finding the right fit.

BBB’s Business Directory was built for this part of the process. When it comes to trust, this resource was designed to give consumers everything they need to make a confident decision. 

The benefits of using the BBB Directory:

The resource is free. Part of the Better Business Bureau’s mission is to create an honest, fair, and equitable marketplace. Consumers should never be asked to pay for this.

A focus on local. This isn’t a random list of search results for a business. Your city or area code is used to recommend brands in your radius.

Filtered results by “BBB Accredited Businesses” or “All Businesses.” Remember: BBB Accredited Businesses are vetted and held to ethical business standards.

Verified customer reviews and complaints. BBB reviews and complaints are verified for accuracy after they are submitted. Businesses are always given an opportunity to respond. This makes BBB different from other online options and gives consumers a more balanced, complete picture to consider.

Also, search the contractor name online with terms such as “complaint,” “review,” or “scam” to see what results appear.  

2. Review previous work

As you continue zeroing in on the right contractor for your project, look into their previous work. This gives you insight into their experience and professionalism, and it might even provide fresh inspiration for your project.

Some ideas on reviewing a company’s previous work:

View photos or videos of a company’s completed project on their BBB Profile, website, or social media channels. Social media is usually the best option to find recently completed work.

Ask prospective contractors to email or text you recent project photos that share similarities with your needs. These could come in handy, especially for custom requests like a paint color or tile pattern.

Check it out in person. On occasion, you might learn of a company by seeing their vehicles or signage in your neighborhood. Consider the job site and the work being done. Ask current clients about their experience (do this carefully to avoid intruding on their privacy).

3. Ask for references

Finding a good contractor can be tricky if you only talk to the contractors. Ask candidates for a list of recent local references you may contact. As you check their references, consider the following questions:

How is the quality of their work?

How was the overall experience with the contractor? 

How was the contractor’s communication?

Did the contractor stick to the project’s estimated budget and completion date?

Is there anything they would have done differently?

Would it be possible to inspect the contractor’s work yourself?

4. Ask for multiple quotes

Because general contractor bids can vary from company to company, it’s good practice to gather at least three quotes. And remember, the quality of these quotes is vastly improved when you limit your requests to trustworthy businesses, such as BBB Accredited Businesses. Once you’ve narrowed the field, make sure your bids consider the same set of criteria to get a fair side-by-side snapshot of the variances. 

Remember, the lowest bid for your remodeling project may not necessarily be the best bid

Click here to follow the original article.

Colorado Springs officials consider allowing camping, other activities at Rosemont Reservoir

Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Colorado Springs Utilities and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are considering bringing new activities to Rosemont Reservoir, including reserved camping.

Currently, Colorado Springs Utilities says seasonal fishing is allowed at the reservoir, though they are considering adding other outdoor options, including non-motorized boating and restroom facilities.

“CPW management would provide more active oversight of public recreation and safety in balance with watershed protection and our operational needs in this remote area,” said Springs Utilities CEO Travas Deal in a press release.

Springs Utilities says Colorado Springs City Council will discuss the plans at its Feb. 10 meeting.

Click here to follow the original article.

La Quinta businesses excited for boom with American Express coming to town

Gavin Nguyen

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – The American Express Golf Tournament is expected to bring thousands of fans to the City of La Quinta.

Local businesses and the city are excited to welcome the increase in visitors and the businesses it is set to bring.

“We’re talking about $24 million in economic impact,” said Mayor Linda Evans. “Over 1,200 volunteers support that tournament, many of whom are residents of La Quinta, which we love.”

Mayor Evans, who also serves on the board for the Impact Through Golf Foundation, also highlighted the way the tournament benefits local charities in the Coachella Valley, too. She said over the years, over $67 million has been injected back into community nonprofits.

“We had donated a half a million dollars to FIND Food Bank over two years. That helped their workforce development center in the new the new warehouse that they have over in Indio that complements the other ones,” she recounted.

With the influx visitors comes heightened traffic. The city said traffic impacts from the tournament are expected to be minimal, with the only road closures happening on Jefferson Street from the entrance of PGA West to Avenue 52 on Friday and Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The city is encouraging its residents to avoid the area and take alternate routes if they won’t be attending the tournament or concerts.

News Channel 3 is hearing from Mayor Linda Evans and small businesses in La Quinta on the turnout they’re hoping for. Stay with us for the latest.

Click here to follow the original article.

DHS agent shoots at man during Los Angeles County immigration operation

By Austin Turner

Click here for updates on this story

    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — An officer with the Department of Homeland Security fired shots at a man in Los Angeles County on Wednesday morning, and the man was later taken into custody, according to the department.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the incident was reported around 7:25 a.m. on the 2400 block of 126th Street in the unincorporated community of Willowbrook, which is located just north of Compton. Deputies with the LASD were not involved, but were called to secure the perimeter of the scene.

According to a DHS spokesperson, federal law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Compton at 7:05 a.m. when the suspect made a “dangerous attempt to evade arrest.”

The DHS claims the man, later identified as an El Salvadoran national, William Eduardo Moran Carballo, “weaponized his vehicle and rammed law enforcement.” At that point, an agent opened fire, the spokesperson said.

Carballo was not hit by any fired rounds and attempted to flee the scene on foot, according to the DHS. He was later apprehended and taken into custody.

At least one CBP officer was injured during the incident, although the extent and circumstances of the injury were not immediately made clear.

DHS claimed that Carballo was previously involved in a “human smuggling operation,” with two prior arrests for allegedly “inflicting corporal injury” on a spouse or cohabitant. He was removed from the U.S. by an immigration judge in 2019, DHS says.

Footage from the scene showed a silver BMW with a black hood that had sustained major damage to the front of the vehicle. The windshield was broken in multiple spots and the airbags had deployed, with a major law-enforcement presence in the area, including officers with CBP.

When asked for a statement, the office of Governor Gavin Newsom pushed back on DHS claims that “sanctuary politicians, including Governor Newsom” have instructed targets of immigration operations to evade arrest.

“The governor has never ‘encouraged’ defiance of lawful orders,” the statement said. “California law is clear — federal agents can conduct federal enforcement with their own resources. Our state has taken action to keep the larger public safe and support people’s rights in the face of an increasingly dangerous federal agenda.”

No additional details were immediately made available.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

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

La Quinta becomes first Coachella Valley city to pass regulations on ‘Kratom’ products

Athena Jreij

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Kratom, an herbal drug often found in energy drinks and pills at gas stations, will now face new regulations in La Quinta.

La Quinta City Council passed ordinance chapter 5.94, passing new limits on Kratom and the synthetic concentrate derived from the drug, known as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

Narcotics experts say the high concentrate 7-OH can have similar effects as opioids, creating withdrawals, dependency and in some cases, overdoses.

According to the California Narcotics Officers Association, “7-OH, the psychoactive component of kratom leaves, is being synthetically concentrated into various products that are sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and other retail and online venues in the county.”

The ordinance will set a minimum age limit of 21 to purchase the drug, a maximum potency limit of 2% on 7-OH products, prohibit concentrated 7-OH products and advertising that appeals to minors.

Ryan Sherman with the California Narcotics Officers Association was behind the push in La Quinta, and says there needs to be more awareness around the drug’s deadly impacts. He alleges product manufacturers use trendy marketing that appeals to children, and distracts from the real harm of Kratom.

“People have a really hard time getting off it, and even when they do, they go through the same withdrawal symptoms as, you know, trying to get off heroin or, morphine,” Sherman says.

Jessica Gorton with Discovery Behavioral Health also says using Kratom can trigger relapses in other addicts.

“If someone has a surgery and they get hooked on painkillers and then all of a sudden the doctor says, okay, well, you can’t take those anymore … A lot of times that type of person might go and try to find something like Kratom,” Gorton said.

La Quinta is one of many local agencies taking the extra step Herman says is needed, as the federal government works on increased regulations.

The law is set to go into effect in 30 days. Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on this story.

Click here to follow the original article.

Six displaced after overnight apartment fire in Pocatello

Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Six people lost their homes last night after a fire broke out in an apartment building in Pocatello.

The fire was first called in just after 11 PM from an apartment at 335 North Hayes Avenue. Only 4 of the 6 apartments were occupied at the time, and all 6 residents evacuated safely, according to Kim Stouse, public information officer for the Pocatello Fire Department.

“We reached out to the American Red Cross, and they’re working to connect them to resources, as well as the landlord who put them up in the day’s inn last night,” said Stouse. “The tenants are now working with the Red Cross and the landlord to get long-term placement.”

Pocatello firefighters reportedly worked through the night to knock down the fire. However, due to multiple remodels, Stouse says the blaze experienced multiple flare-ups throughout the night. Firefighters confirmed that all levels of the fire and hot spots were suppressed by 7 AM, Wednesday morning.

Stouse says fire investigators are currently on the scene, investigating the origin of the blaze.

Click here to follow the original article.

Multiple reports of Home Title Fraud in Yuma

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Multiple reports of attempted Home Title Fraud have been reported, according to Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).

Also known as deed and property fraud, this scam has suspects illegally transfer a property owner’s deed.

YCSO says victims may not know they were the target of a scam until it’s too late.

Property owners are encouraged to subscribe to YCSO’s Recording Alert. It’s a notification system that can warn owners when a document is recorded under their name.

If you feel you’ve become a victim of fraud, you can call YCSO at 928-783-4427.

Click here to follow the original article.

Two arrested as part of narcotics investigation with Nodaway County Sheriff and NW Missouri Drug Task Force

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Two people are in custody following a monthslong narcotics investigation in Northwest Missouri that led to the seizure of various controlled substances.

The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that two suspects were arrested on drug and weapons charges after search warrants were carried out in Clearmont, Missouri, and Atchison County in connection with an ongoing narcotics investigation that began last year

The operations were carried out with the help of the Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force and led to the seizure of controlled substances, multiple firearms and materials tied to distributing narcotics.

The subject, a convicted felon, was taken into custody and held on $100,000 bond for charges including distribution of a controlled substance in a protected location, driving while revoked/suspended, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession and use of a firearm.

According to the department, the investigation initially began with a traffic stop that lead to a search warrant and seizure of approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and packaging material from a residence in rural Nodaway County.

This Clearmont investigation led to another search warrant and the arrest of one person in Atchison County, Missouri. Charges filed in that case include:

Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Protected Location

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Tampering with Physical Evidence

Resisting/Interfering with an Arrest for a Felony

Click here to follow the original article.

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix breaks his silence about his injury: “God never says oops”

By Jesse Sarles

Click here for updates on this story

    DENVER (KCNC) — Broncos quarterback Bo Nix took to social media on Wednesday to thank fans for all the support he’s been getting since he was injured at the end of the Saturday’s divisional playoff win in Denver. It was the first time he’s made any type of public comment about his injury since the 33-30 overtime win at Mile High.

Nix was scheduled to undergo surgery a day before for a broken bone in his ankle. In his Instagram post, he thanked his doctor in Alabama who performed the operation.

“Thank you all for the kind words, love and support over the last few days. Thankful for my trainers, Beau, Vince and Dr. Waldrop for taking great care of me,” Nix wrote.

Nix could be seen on CBS’s broadcast walking around on the sideline after getting hurt on one of the final plays. Dr. Landon Fine, an orthopedic surgeon at AdventHealth Parker, said that’s not surprising.

“Immediately it hurts to break a bone, obviously. Initially he was able to walk around. But once the swelling and the bleeding and things do what they do, it becomes more symptomatic,” Fine said.

Nix also wrote about his religious beliefs and how they’re guiding him through his recovery, saying “God never says oops.” He said he believes God has “big plans for this team.”

Jarrett Stidham will be starting at QB for Denver in the AFC Championship this weekend, and Nix had words of encouragement for his teammate who will now be leading the huddle.

“I couldn’t be more confident in Jarrett,” he wrote.

So far there’s no announced timeline for when Nix will be able to begin practicing again for the team, but Fine said that he expects “after a couple months he’ll be back out there.”

Read Nix’s complete Instagram post below:

The last few days have been hard to put into words.

What started as one of the most exciting games I’ve ever been a part of ended with some of the most devastating football news I’ve ever received. This is not how I imagined my season would come to an end, but our season has been defined by overcoming adversity and responding to it.

I can’t express how much this team and organization mean to me and how much I believe in them. I couldn’t be more proud of our guys. I couldn’t be more confident in Jarrett. And I couldn’t be more excited for what’s next.

Thank you all for the kind words, love and support over the last few days. Thankful for my trainers, Beau, Vince and Dr. Waldrop for taking great care of me.

God never says oops, and he is always good. He has big plans for this team. We’re not finished, as a matter of fact we’re just getting started. We’re just going to keep climbing higher.

Go Broncos.

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