Goleta Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore To Attend Meeting to Discuss Sewage Spill Settlement

KEYT on January 21, 2026

Tracy Lehr

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – On Tuesday, Goleta City Council Members were given a presentation by the city of a million gallon sewage spill over Presidents Day weekend in 2024.

They also heard public comments from members of the Goleta West Sanitary District. The sewage spill was caused by a ruptured pipeline.

It wasn’t detected right away and became the largest sewage spill in Santa Barbara County history.

State regulators have proposed a $1.55 million dollar settlement with the Goleta West Sanitary District, but environmental groups including Channelkeeper and several elected leaders don’t think that is sufficient.

Mayor Pro Tempore Jennifer Smith talked about the issue before Tuesday’s presentation.

“Myself, Mayor Paula Perotte and Supervisor Laura Capps, we submitted a letter directly to the Water Control Board to say we don’t think this proposed settlement of the issue is sufficient. We want to see accountability. This is the biggest spill in the history of the county and there was major communication problems that happened and that caused the spill to be worse,” said Smith.

“So, we really want to see accountability for the control board to use their own metrics, under their own metrics we don’t think the fine is sufficient and we also want to be sure these communication snafus don’t happen in the future we need to trust that the sanitary district has the leaders and staff that will communicated appropriately when these situations happen.”

It took 14 hours to stop the sewage spill that impacted the Goleta Slough State Marine Conservation Area, a tributary leading to a creek and the ocean.

Signs went up closing Goleta Beach about a week after the spill and the beach closure lasted for more than three weeks.

Supervisors Laura Capps went to the beach to warn people to get out of the water and wash up.

The fine could cover the cost of an environmental project.

“It would be for the Goleta West Sanitary District to cope with the fine, there is also a proposal for a project for them to undertake and we simply ask that the project have some nexus to the damage caused, some nexus to the Goleta Slough, the Goleta Beach and you know to have some connection to what actually transpired,” said Smith.

Councilmember James Kyriaco’s made the motion that passed four to one on Tuesday night.

He said It authorizes Mayor Perotte and Mayor Pro Tempore Smith to speak on behalf of the city at the upcoming Central Coast Regional Water Board meeting.

Kyriaco said they will express the need for better pipeline safety practices and call for an action plan and better communication with the city and residents about future spills.

Luz Reyes-Martin was the only no vote.

Councilmembers learned there has been one smaller spill since the large one they discussed.

One Goleta West Sanitary District staff said they attending their own regular meeting before making public comments at the Goleta City Council Meeting.

When asked they said the spill impacted an estimated 39,500 customers including about 20,000 Goleta residents.

Central Coast Water Board members will determine what the fine will be and how the money will be used at a public meeting in San Luis Obispo on February 26th and 27th.

Goleta leaders would like the money spend on improvements locally.

Goleta West Sanitary District representatives said aging pipes will need to be replaced in five years at the cost of about $10 million.

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Why some felt Indio Hills earthquake before their phones alerted them

KESQ on January 21, 2026

Garrett Hottle

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) A magnitude 4.9 earthquake shook Indio Monday night, rattling residents across the Coachella Valley but causing no major damage or serious injuries — while also raising fresh questions about how California’s Earthquake Early Warning system works and why alerts reached some people before the shaking, but not others.

The quake struck near Indio Hills at 5:56 p.m., sending a brief but noticeable jolt through homes, businesses, and senior centers in the area.

“It was strong. And my husband, he has dementia. He was upstairs, so I got all scared,” Rosalva Gomez.

Others described a sudden, unsettling movement rather than prolonged shaking.

“My bed started shaking… and the dogs started barking,” Mary Ramirez said. “It was the first time I felt an earthquake here in the desert… it was scary,” Gloria Hernandez said.

The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter along the San Andreas Fault — the major fault line that runs through the Coachella Valley. Local geologists say that stretch of the fault typically produces “strike-slip” earthquakes, meaning the ground moves sideways rather than up and down.

That motion is what residents felt Monday night.

Monday’s quake contrasted sharply with the 1994 Northridge earthquake, a magnitude 6.7 event that killed about 60 people and caused widespread structural damage and freeway collapses in Los Angeles. Unlike Monday’s strike-slip event, Northridge was a “blind thrust” earthquake — an upward-shoving rupture on a buried fault beneath the San Fernando Valley.

For many viewers, the bigger question Tuesday was not how the earth moved, but how their phones did.

Unlike in 1994, California now operates an Earthquake Early Warning system powered by ShakeAlert, designed to detect the first, lighter tremors of an earthquake and send alerts before stronger shaking arrives.

But those alerts do not reach everyone at the same time.

Derek Lambeth, program manager for Earthquake Early Warning at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), said the timing depends largely on distance from the epicenter.

“If you’re right at the epicenter, we can’t give you that heads-up… but if you’re farther out, we can give you up to tens of seconds to drop, cover, and hold on,” Lambeth said. lambeth

He stressed that even a few seconds can make a difference.

“You may not always get ten seconds, but you’d be amazed at how quickly you can react,” Lambeth said. “Seconds matter.” lambeth

Cal OES officials warned that aftershocks are common in the days following a quake of this size and urged residents to prepare in advance.

“Earthquakes are unpredictable,” Lambeth said. “The best thing people can do is sign up for alerts like the MyShake app, put together a go-kit, and have a plan for your family or workplace.”

You can find out more information including how to download the MyShake App, here.

To sign up for local alerts and find more information on preparedness and resources, visit  https://earthquake.ca.gov/ 

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City Council approves firefighter raises, transportation deal with MoWest

News-Press NOW on January 21, 2026

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph City Council bid farewell to a long-time employee and approved a few bills during its meeting Tuesday evening.

The meeting started with a farewell to the City Clerk, Paula Heyde. She has served the City of St. Joseph for over 40 years. Heyde also received the Key to the City Award.

On Tuesday’s agenda, council members voted on an ordinance to authorize an agreement with Missouri Western State University to provide free transportation on St Joseph Transit buses to all students and employees.

In 2013, the City and MoWest previously entered into an open-access agreement to provide transportation to students and employees of MoWest, without having to pay a fare for each ride. During COVID, ridership dropped, as well as prices. As a result, the program was discontinued.

City Council approved a salary increase for the St. Joseph Fire Department. 

The City approved a contract with the International Association of Firefighters, Local #77, to adjust fire department budgets to set aside $200,000 for firefighter pay raises and related benefits required by the contract.

The City and union have agreed to terms extending the contract through June 30, 2028.

All department employees are projected to get a 4% increase in pay, retroactive to July 1, 2025, for fiscal year 2026. Employees will also see a 3% increase in fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

SJFD Fire Chief Ivan Klippenstein said the department is really excited to have a new contract and a pay increase.

“Our firefighters work hard, and the city certainly recognizes that. There doing what they can to get that increase. We’re just glad and thankful we’re here, he said.

Klippenstein said he has high hopes that the pay increase will improve staffing and retention.

“People from outside come to want to work here, and they can see a continual support from the City that their firefighters will be cared for the best they can,” he said.

The council also approved an ordinance allocating $61,590 to MVP Painting LLC, which beat out Mongan Painting LLC’s $63,200 bid.

MVP will perform the removal and replacement of all expansion joints surrounding the pool, as well as complete surface preparation and repaint the pool interior.

All work will be conducted in accordance with industry standards, applicable codes and manufacturer specifications.

The next city council meeting will take place on Monday, Feb. 2.

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City Council OKs pay raises for firefighters, free bus rides for MoWest students and faculty

News-Press NOW on January 21, 2026

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Salary increases for St. Joseph firefighters and free bus rides for MoWest students and faculty are now in effect after passage by St. Joseph City Councilmembers this evening.

A pair of measures approved at Tuesday’s City Council meeting will pave the way for a three-phase firefighter salary increase and the reinstatement of free bus rides for students, faculty and staff at Missouri Western State University.

A new $200,000 working contract with the International Association of Firefighters, Local #77, will see firefighter pay increase by 4% in 2026, along with future raises of 3% in both 2027 and 2028, an agreement that received strong praise from leaders with the local firefighter union.

“This agreement represents a significant investment in public safety. It provides stability for our families in need, allowing us to focus entirely on our mission of protecting the lives and property of our neighbors,” IAFF Local 77 President Skyler White said at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

The agreement also includes longevity raises to increase salaries above the base salary for every five years of continuous service completed, with the breakdown as follows:

5 years of service: 5% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.

10 years: 10% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.

15 years: 15% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.

20 years: 20% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.

“We know that budgets are tight and decisions are rarely easy, but by prioritizing this contract for us, you have chosen to invest in the people who are there for this city on its worst days,” White said to City Councilmembers.

The agreement also updates EMT compensation by converting certified EMT pay from a lump-sum payment to an hourly rate through an adjustment to base pay prior to the application of longevity, and revises out-of-title compensation.

City reinstates free bus ride program for MoWest faculty and students

Free bus rides for students, faculty and staff at Missouri Western State University are back once again after approval by councilmembers on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s meeting saw the approval of a measure to reinstate a free bus transportation program between the City and Missouri Western State University, one that will provide unlimited bus rides to faculty, staff and students without having to pay a fare. 

Students and staff will have to present a current, valid MoWest identification card at the time of boarding to be accepted. 

Tuesday’s approval marks the return of the program for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic halted it. Prior to that, the agreement had been in place since 2013.

The new agreement is for one year but could be extended to 2027 depending on performance goals. The contract will automatically renew in 2027 if roughly 4,800 riders are registered. 

Other bills approved by City Council

An ordinance authorizing an amendment to the capital projects budget and the execution of a lump sum contract with MVP Painting LLC in the amount of $61,590 for the St. Joseph Aquatic Park Pool painting project

A resolution authorizing a services agreement with Insurica/Palomar insurance company, Allied World Surplus Lines Insurance and Mount Claims Service for vehicle and general liability insurance, comprehensive insurance coverage and third-party administrator services in the amount of $449,920 for the Mass Transit Division.

Nominations and appointments

Mayor John Josendale nominates Mary Kottenstette, North 19th Street, to serve as a member of the Land Bank Board for a term expiring Jan. 20, 2030; she will be replacing Tara Horn, whose term has expired.

Councilmember Kenton Randolph nominates David E. Humbert, Jr., South Fourth Street, to serve as a member of the Landmark Commission for a term expiring Sept. 29, 2026; he is filling a vacancy on the Commission.

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Palm Springs push for affordable housing, new projects moving forward

KESQ on January 21, 2026

Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – The city of Palm Springs is accelerating its push for affordable housing, with new projects moving forward this year.

Last week, the City Council approved 82-unit 100% affordable apartment units at 305 West San Rafael Drive.

Councilmembers also approving a request for financial assistance and loan commitment for development and construction of the San Rafael Apartments, a 115-unit affordable housing project.

Partner Darren Berberian, with developer Pacific West Communities, Inc., said the city’s support was critical.

“It was a huge deal,” Berberian said. “It’s not easy for the city to come up with these loans, the funding to make these projects happen. They’ve been fantastic to work with.”

Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto said affordable housing is a priority for the city.

“We put $3 million a year in our TOT revenue just for affordable housing,” Soto said. “We know we need to build housing to be able to attract the residents and the workers that our city really needs for a thriving economy.”

She said a third affordable housing project on Gene Autry is also in the pipeline, bringing at least 3 new projects this year.

The city has already opened 3 affordable housing developments in recent years including Vista Sunrise II, Monarch Apartments and Aloe Palm Canyon.

“We’ve heard a lot of great feedback on Aloe Palm Canyon, which is our most recent one that has opened,” Soto said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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‘Thin’ snow coverage prompts Mt. Bachelor lift closures

KTVZ on January 21, 2026

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Warm, sunny weather continues across Central Oregon, with highs in the upper 40s and light winds. The mild stretch is melting snow at Mt. Bachelor, forcing Outback and Northwest lifts to close starting today while crews work to repair thin coverage areas. These lifts are expected to reopen Friday, Jan. 23, if conditions allow.

Skiers and riders are urged to stay on open, named runs and watch for firm, thin conditions and hidden obstacles. Resort officials ask guests to follow all closures and signage while crews are on the slopes.

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Yuma agriculture impresses leaders statewide

KYMA on January 21, 2026

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma’s agriculture is shinning bright on the map and gaining the attention of leaders statewide.

Arizona State University (ASU) President Dr. Michael Crow recently stopped in Yuma for his Board of Regents visit.

He visited three different farms and says he was very impressed by what he calls world class farming technology and facilities.

“The great thing for me was the level of sophistication and planning that goes into the agricultural enterprises in and around Yuma and then throughout the county and throughout that region…in the sense that really as agriculture moves forward, as we need better and better higher quality products, you need more and more advanced systems to be able to manage this in Arizona. So, what I saw was you know obviously water management and land management and technological tools to enhance the production quality, unbelievable packaging facilities, but the WiFi network that was built in for the agricultural technologies to operate from all of this was basically as advanced as the big very advanced technical agricultural systems I’ve seen in the Netherlands and in Israel, so the same kind of level, but in some ways, in many ways, on a larger scale,” said Dr. Crow.

Crow says he’s also impressed seeing several community members from different sectors working together from financial, labor, and agricultural leaders.

The Arizona Board of Regents also recently approved a $3 million grant to launch the Arizona hub for agriculture innovation anchored in Yuma.

“There’s a huge opportunity because of the natural assets of Arizona through sunshine but also the presence of you know very large amounts of water but mostly the presence of an agriculturally oriented very very creative population. And so, I think there’s a huge opportunity to greatly expand agricultural and growing economies for Arizona…as well as then everything that comes with that…new computing systems, a new decision making systems, new machine systems, new ways of doing things, and so I just think there’s a huge opportunity in Yuma to really take off,” said Crow.

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Retiring City Clerk Paula Heyde awarded key to the city, honored by Missouri House after 43 years at City Hall

News-Press NOW on January 21, 2026

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A longtime city employee described by many as the life and soul of City Hall was honored with an array of accolades Tuesday as she nears the end of a decades long career supporting local government.

City leaders dedicated an early portion of Tuesday’s City Council meeting to recognize retiring City Clerk Paula Heyde with multiple honors for her commitment and leadership over a 40-plus year career, including a special recognition award, a prestigious key to the city and a resolution signed by the Missouri State House of Representatives.

Heyde is set to retire next Friday, Jan. 30, after 43 years working in the City Clerk’s Office, a journey that began back in 1983 for the Stanberry, Missouri, native.

“I want to thank the Council for their support and all these recognitions and their kindness over the years,” Heyde said to those in attendance.

The state resolution presented Tuesday was ordered by former St. Joseph mayor and current District 10 House Rep. Bill Falkner, as well as District 11 Rep. Brenda Shields and House Speaker Jonathan Patterson. 

“There’s probably no one in this building that deserves it more,” St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale said.

From managing vital city records and public documents to maintaining City Council meetings and agendas, preserving ordinances and responding to public records requests, Heyde played an invaluable role supporting staff and assisting numerous city government functions, from local elections to compliance with local and state laws.

“Her career has spanned generations of city leaders and stands as a testament to her steadfast commitment to public service,” Josendale said. “Paula leaves a legacy of dedicated public service and a lasting positive impact on the city and its residents.” 

Heyde began her work with the city clerk’s office through an employment agency in January 1983 before becoming an official staff member the following year. She was appointed city clerk on Oct. 31, 1988, succeeding Walter Welsh, who had served for 34 years starting in 1954.

Deputy Clerk Kaycee Garton is set to assume the City Clerk’s role beginning Feb. 2, 2026, marking just the third change in city clerk leadership in the last 70 years.

Heyde said previously that she looks forward to traveling and spending more time with family and friends in retirement.

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Family demands answers about death of Tara Williams

KVIA on January 21, 2026

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — During Sheriff Oscar Ugarte’s town hall meeting this past Saturday, the family of Tara Williams questioned Sheriff Ugarte as to why Williams was able to take her own life while in their custody.

Rosalie Vicenti, Tara Williams’ mother, told ABC-7 during an interview that her daughter was supposed to be on suicide watch.

Vicenti further said that Williams was kept on life support for 4 days before she was notified that her daughter had taken her own life.

“I’m asking why were there so many deaths in that facility in 2025. And my daughter was one of them. I am asking why it took four days to contact me because my daughter was already dead,” Vicenti told ABC-7 during an interview.

Vicenti says that as a Native American who is part of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, she needed to bury her daughter within 4 days of her death in accordance to her beliefs and was unable to do so.

“If they were to, take, took, taken precaution inside the jail, guarding her the way they did at the hospital, she would still be here,” said Vicenti

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to ABC-7 that Tara Williams was one of ten in-custody deaths in 2025.

In response to an ABC-7 interview request, the El Paso County Sheriff’s office sent this statement that read, quote,

“We can confirm that Tara Williams was one of ten in-custody deaths in 2025. Our office does not routinely release detailed information regarding suicides or deaths determined to be from natural causes.

As required by state law, and as explained by Sheriff Ugarte to the Williams family on Saturday, every in-custody death is reported to both the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) and the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Each case is thoroughly investigated by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Texas Rangers, and TCJS. To date, TCJS has not found our office to be out of compliance, and we remain in full adherence with all state-mandated protocols.

The health, safety, and well-being of individuals in our custody remain a top priority. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of our practices. If it is determined that employee actions contributed to a death, appropriate accountability measures will be taken.”

Rosalie Vicenti, Tara Williams mother, told ABC-7 that she does not want any family to go through what they did.

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What’s a ‘corner crossing’? Hunters know, and two Central Oregon lawmakers want to make them clearly legal

KTVZ on January 21, 2026

KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – State senators Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) and Anthony Broadman (D-Bend), working with the Oregon Hunters Association, introduced legislation this week to protect Oregonians’ access to public lands through “corner crossing.”

Corner crossing, or stepping from public land to public land where adjoining corners of public and private lands meet, has been a legal uncertainty in Oregon law. The senators say their legislation “provides much needed clarity to protect public land users from allegations of trespass, as well as landowners from allegations of negligence.”

Here’s the rest of Tuesday’s news release:

“Legal clarity improves access to public lands and protects landowners,” said Senator McLane. “Oregonians deserve common sense from Salem on how and when we can access public resources. Senate Bill 1545 makes Oregonians’ access to our lands clearer.”  

Balancing the public’s right to access public land with necessary protections for private landowners, the legislation provides protection against negligence lawsuits. This has long been a troublesome issue for Oregonians who utilize public lands, where corner crossings are often necessary. This critical legislation will provide more certainty for all parties going forward.

“Our public lands are part of our heritage and who we are as Oregonians,” said Senator Broadman. “Senate Bill 1545 will help preserves access for hunters exercising our rights to access federal lands across our state. We also owe it to the Tribes, ranchers, farmers, and timber owners to ensure corner crossing doesn’t interfere with working Oregon lands and their stewardship of our state. Our proposal strikes that balance.” 

The bill has already garnered support from all sides of the political spectrum, including 10 Republican and Democratic legislators from urban and rural districts alike. This diverse support shows that access to public lands is a bipartisan concern that resonates throughout the state.

“Oregon’s public lands are incredibly important to hunters, hikers, bird watchers, anglers, and all Oregonians seeking to enjoy the state’s natural beauty,” said Amy Patrick, OHA’s policy rep in Salem. “Providing some level of legal certainty ensures public land access when such access is vital to everything we do. OHA thanks Senators McLane and Broadman for spearheading this critical effort.”

The legislation is broadly supported by the conservation, recreation and outdoor communities, including Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation, Oregon Association of Shooting Ranges, Oregon Trappers Association, Oregon United Sporting Dogs Association, and, notably, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, who have long advocated that corner crossing is not a crime.

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