BNP Paribas Open highlights entertainment, retail experiences, and more

KESQ on February 24, 2026

Jesus Reyes

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ – The BNP Paribas Open announced an action-packed calendar of on-site activities set to greet fans at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the 2026 event.

From daily live music to a weekend fireworks show, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden will be full of energy from first ball to last with an unparalleled lineup of events for fans to enjoy during their time on-site in Tennis Paradise.

Village Stage and Paradise Pavilion To Serve As Hub For Daily Live Fan Entertainment

The Village Stage will be alive throughout the entire tournament as an electric lineup of live entertainment takes the stage in Tennis Paradise. As Main Draw play gets underway on Wednesday, March 4, American Idol Season 22 winner Abi Carter will kick off the festivities with a 5:00pm performance at the Village Stage. In addition, on Saturday, March 7, fans can enjoy the All Star Jam, a musical showcase featuring Sixwire with award-winning country music artist Sara Evans and Zac Barnett of American Authors.

The full lineup of live Village Stage entertainment includes a variety of acclaimed local Southern California artists performing throughout the two weeks in the desert, as well as a special performance from the fan-favorite Bryan Bros Band as the 16-time Grand Slam doubles champions and Hall of Fame duo bring their musical talents to Tennis Paradise for an electric performance from 4pm-6pm on Tuesday, March 10. Click here to view the full daily lineup of performances.

The BNP Paribas Open will also debut a brand new Paradise Pavilion for 2026 to play host to other fan-favorite live entertainment staples like Tennis Talks, Food & Beverage demos, and more. New in 2026, fans will be able to listen to a daily live radio show from the Tennis Paradise Stage thanks to the BNP Paribas Open Radio presented by Spotlight 29 Radio Program, which provides complimentary daily live earpiece radio commentary and analysis.

Fireworks Show and Candlelight Concert Highlight Weekend Entertainment

Stadium 1 will delight ticketholders with a plethora of must-see special events and in-stadium displays throughout the 2026 BNP Paribas Open. The action begins with a dazzling fireworks show and court projection on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7. The shows will begin after the first match of the evening session. The in-stadium excitement will continue on Sunday, March 8 and Thursday, March 12 with a special courtside DJ show throughout the Stadium 1 evening session.

On Friday, March 13, fans can usher in Championship Weekend with a brand-new Candlelight® by Fever performance, setting Tennis Paradise aglow after the final night match in Stadium Plaza. Candlelight® will feature a string quartet performing music from Coldplay and Imagine Dragons, set against a signature candlelit ambiance as Stadium Plaza shines with thousands of flickering candles.

New lululemon Pop Up Headlines Elevated On-Site Retail Experience

Guests can anticipate unique experiences at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden with three retail stores on-site for fans. New for 2026, lululemon, the Official Outfitter of the BNP Paribas Open, will open its retail and fan experience for guests to enjoy throughout the tournament. The lululemon Pop Up will feature Indian Wells-inspired gear and customizable apparel with tournament-exclusive graphic for fans to shop – the space will also feature La La Land Café where fans can purchase beverages.

The new Official Outfitter will also operate the lululemon Court for fans on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 on Practice Court 20, where guests can put their on-court skills to the test.

The Tennis Paradise Shop will serve as the main home for all official tournament merchandise as well as signature apparel and accessories from the world’s most popular brands. The store will open on Sunday, March 1 and fans can shop daily from 10am-9pm until the conclusion of the tournament. Tennis Warehouse returns to complete the retail trio, allowing fans to gear up like their favorite pros with the latest footwear, racquets, and apparel from the hottest brands in the industry.

Family Day To Serve As Kickoff Event With Brand New 5K Fun Run on Saturday, February 28

The annual Family Day will once again serve as an exciting, free kickoff event to commence the BNP Paribas Open on February 28. For the first time in Tennis Paradise, fans can lace up for a 5K Fun Run that will take participants around the Indian Wells Tennis Garden beginning at 10:00am.

Following the 5K, families are invited to experience a festive afternoon of on and off court activities from 12:00-3:00pm local time. Family Day festivities will include tennis clinics, live music, interactive games, arts and crafts, yoga, delicious food, and more taking place across Stadium Plaza and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Practice Courts. USTA Southern California section will host clinics for children of all skill levels, with special appearances to be made by ATP and WTA professional players.

For more information on Family Day and to sign up for the 5K Run, fans should visit this link.

Expanded Qualifying Access And Eisenhower Cup To Make For Unforgettable Opening First Week

Fans attending BNP Paribas Open Qualifying Days from Sunday, March 1 through Tuesday, March 3 can look forward to a number of pre-tournament festivities taking place around the grounds. New in 2026, fans with a Qualifying Day ticket can watch their favorite stars tune up for the main draw with open practice sessions in Stadium 1 and 2.

In addition, fans can look forward to the BNP Paribas Open Main Draw Reveal presented by Tennis Channel from 3pm-4pm on Monday, March 2 – where the draws for the tournament will be made live on the big screens in Stadium Plaza. The main draw reveal will be broadcast live on Tennis Channel 2 and in the Tennis Channel App and can be experienced live on-site with qualifying day tickets available to purchase for just $10, with proceeds benefiting The Champions Volunteer Foundation.

Tuesday, March 3 will feature the star-studded Eisenhower Cup, where eight top men’s and women’s players will pair up to compete in a thrilling night of mixed doubles under the lights of Stadium 2. The exhibition event will begin at 7:00pm with teams competing in the fast-paced Tie Break Tens format in a single elimination knockout format. Tickets to the event are on-sale starting at $60, with proceeds to benefits The Champions Volunteer Foundation.

Partner Days And Activations Around the Grounds For 2026

The Tennis Paradise family of brand partners will enhance the experience for fans with special activations and giveaways taking place across the two weeks at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This year’s lineup includes new partners appearing at the event for the first time, including lululemon, FAGE, and Silversea. The following partner days will highlight partner activations in Tennis Paradise with the schedule featuring:

Wednesday, March 4 — Veroni Day

Thursday, March 5 — City of Indian Wells Residents Day 

Friday, March 6 — Spotlight 29 Day 

Saturday, March 7 — Emirates Day 

Sunday, March 8 — lululemon Day 

Monday, March 9 — Motorola Day 

Tuesday, March 10 – FAGE Day

Wednesday, March 11 — BMW Day 

Thursday, March 12 — Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours Day 

Friday, March 13 — Rolex Day 

Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 — BNP Paribas Championship Weekend 

Fans are encouraged to visit the Sponsor Village for a variety of partner displays, activations, player appearances, and autograph sessions to be held throughout the event.

The complete calendar of on-site fan events and activities can be viewed here.

Stay with News Channel 3 for complete coverage of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open.

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DUI checkpoint in Indio nets three arrests, 26 cited

KESQ on February 24, 2026

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Three people were arrested and 26 others were cited during a DUI checkpoint in Indio, authorities said today.   

The checkpoint was held from 6 p.m. until midnight Monday at the intersection of Indio Boulevard and Oasis Street, according to the Indio Police Department.

One person was arrested on suspicion of DUI, two people were arrested on suspicion of warrants, and 26 people were cited for various traffic violations.   

The checkpoint location was determined based on data from impaired driving-related crashes. Funding for the checkpoint as provided by the California Cannabis Tax Grant.

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Judge declines to dismiss prosecutors from the case against alleged Charlie Kirk shooter Tyler Robinson

KIFI on February 24, 2026

CNN

Originally Published: 24 FEB 26 12:59 ET

Updated: 24 FEB 26 14:05 ET

By Elizabeth Wolfe, Andi Babineau, CNN

(CNN) — A Utah County prosecutor’s office will be allowed to continue building its death penalty case against Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, despite the defense’s claims that it mishandled a potential conflict of interest.

Robinson’s defense attorneys had asked for the entire Utah County Attorney’s Office to be recused from the case, arguing that the presence of a lead prosecutor’s child at the event where Kirk was assassinated had tainted the office’s decisions. But a judge on Tuesday ruled the child’s attendance “did not materially influence” prosecutors’ actions.

During a split two-day hearing earlier this year, deputy attorney Chad Grunander testified his child attended the Turning Point USA event where Kirk was shot last year. The 18-year-old, who is a student at Utah Valley University where the event was held, did not see the fatal moment or witness anybody in the crowd who may have been a suspect, prosecutors argued.

In the hours and days following the shooting, Grunander informed many of his colleagues that his child was present, he said. Even so, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray appointed Grunander as one of the attorneys tasked with prosecuting Robinson.

Gray told the court he believes the child’s presence was “completely irrelevant” to decisions made in the case, including the choice to pursue the death penalty against Robinson.

Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf appeared to agree in his ruling Tuesday.

“The court is unpersuaded that Mr. Grunander’s relationship with (his child) creates an appearance of bias in this case,” Graf told the court.

Graf determined the child had “no unique, relevant information” about Kirk’s killing that would lead them to be called as a potential witness at trial.

Prosecutors have said they have no plans to call the child as a witness. Graf told Robinson’s defense team that they may subpoena the child if they believe the teenager’s testimony is relevant to the case.

The Utah County Attorney’s Office disclosed the possible conflict to Robinson’s team on October 20, a little over a month after Kirk was killed, Gray testified.

But Robinson’s defense attorney, Richard Novak, insisted Gray has taken an “inappropriately casual approach” to the issue. He argued Grunander should have been sequestered from the case, and defense attorneys should have been immediately notified of the potential conflict.

“The decision as to what charges to file, the decision as to whether or not to seek the death penalty, should never, ever have been made in consultation with Mr. Grunander,” Novak said in closing arguments.

But the judge concluded there is no evidence that Gray’s choice to pursue the death penalty was influenced by Grunander’s concern for his child’s safety.

Novak fought for the full recusal of the attorney’s office instead of the dismissal of Grunander or a handful of attorneys. The issue in front of the court, he argued, was not whether the child’s presence was a conflict of interest. Instead, he asked the judge to consider the office’s handling of the issue.

Asked during the early February hearing whether his child’s presence that day impacted his decision making in the case, Grunander said, “No, not at all.”

He said it was clear his child was not in the “zone of danger,” referring to a legal doctrine that in part determines whether people are placed in immediate risk of physical harm.

The deputy prosecutor said his office disclosed his child’s presence out of “an abundance of caution,” not because they believed it was an issue.

“Don’t mistake our disclosure, my disclosure, our abundance of caution, our professionalism, integrity, to be a concession that we believe there’s merit to this alleged conflict,” he told the court.

One of Robinson’s attorneys, Kathy Nester, was notably absent from the virtual hearing Tuesday. Nester also represents Kouri Richins, whose murder trial began this week in Park City. Richins is accused of poisoning her husband with fentanyl in 2022, then writing a children’s book to help her sons grieve.

Robinson has not yet entered pleas for the slew of charges he’s facing, including aggravated murder, felony use of a firearm, obstruction of justice and witness tampering, along with several victim targeting enhancements and an aggravating factor of having committed a violent offense in the presence of a child.

He won’t be arraigned until after his preliminary hearing, which has been scheduled to begin May 18 and is expected to last three days.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Icy road cause multiple crashes on US 26 along Palisades Reservoir

KIFI on February 24, 2026

Curtis Jackson

PALISADES, Idaho (KIFI) – Icy roads and falling snow have caused multiple slide-offs and crashes along US 26 along Palisade Reservoir on Tuesday. The worst area is near Big Elk Creek Road.

Swan Valley Fire Department said snowplows are working the road and pilot cars are escorting vehicles through the area.

They urge drivers to drive with caution.

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Prosecutor: Cathedral City man arranged for sale of fentanyl that killed 22-year-old

KESQ on February 24, 2026

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 22-year-old Rancho Mirage man consumed a fatal dose of fentanyl that his friend helped him procure, a prosecutor said today, while the attorney for the accused countered that his client only aided in facilitating a transaction and “did not murder anybody.”

Riley Jacob Hagar, 28, of Cathedral City, is charged with second-degree murder for the death of Travis O’Brien on New Year’s Day 2022.   

“Travis O’Brien checked into a Motel 6 and never checked out,” Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Steven Sorensen told jurors Tuesday during his opening statement in Hagar’s trial at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. “Where did O’Brien get these pills (that killed him)?”

The prosecutor pointed the finger of blame at Hagar, a longtime acquaintance of the victim.  

Sorensen contended Hagar “is guilty of the charge of murder” stemming from O’Brien’s “acute fentanyl intoxication” death.

Defense attorney Ryan Markson challenged the prosecution’s narrative, rejecting the allegation that his client had a hand in the loss of O’Brien’s life.

“Riley Hagar didn’t murder anybody,” Markson told jurors.   

He noted O’Brien was desperate for money at the end of 2021 and was trying to unload 200 M30 “blues” containing the synthetic opioid fentanyl, but he couldn’t find a buyer.

Hagar was in contact with a known supplier, Nicholas Rodriguez, who goes by the moniker “Niko,” and arranged on New Year’s Eve for the latter to buy some of O’Brien’s pills, according to the defense.   

The attorney said his client had cautioned O’Brien not to take any of the pills, a few of which Niko purchased.   

At some point just before or after the transaction, O’Brien digested the fentanyl that led to his death, according to court papers.   

Hagar, who is being held without bail at the Benoit Detention Center, was arrested in August 2022, following a months-long investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Overdose Death Investigations Unit.   

Sgt. Ryan Marcuse said that on the afternoon of Jan. 1, 2022, deputies were called to the Motel 6 in the 69000 block of Highway 111, where the young man was discovered unconscious and presumed dead. Paramedics arrived a short time later and confirmed he’d died at the scene. The autopsy pointed to fentanyl poisoning.  

Hagar has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.   

Since February 2021, prosecutors have charged more than three dozen people in connection with fentanyl poisonings. Two prosecutions have resulted in murder convictions.  

Preliminary public health statistics indicated there were 229 suspected fentanyl-related fatalities countywide in 2025, compared to 351 confirmed poisonings in 2024, a roughly 40% decline.

Fentanyl is manufactured in overseas labs, principally in China, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which says the opioid is smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border by cartels.

It’s 80-100 times more potent than morphine and can be mixed into any number of street narcotics and prescription drugs, without a recipient knowing what he or she is consuming. Ingestion of only two milligrams can be fatal.

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Governor Brad Little to run for 3rd term

KIFI on February 24, 2026

Curtis Jackson

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Gov. Brad Little officially launched his bid for a third term as governor. He formally submitted his Declaration of Candidacy to the Idaho Secretary of State on Tuesday. He will appear on the May 19 Republican primary ballot.

In his announcement, Little emphasized the accomplishments of his administration and the values guiding his continued bid for leadership.

“Teresa and I are honored to serve the people of Idaho,” Little said. “Together, we’ve made Idaho the most prosperous state in the nation while fiercely defending our enduring core values — faith, family, and freedom.” He highlighted historic tax relief, record investments in education, public safety, and infrastructure, and efforts to maintain Idaho’s quality of life.

Little stated that the state will “continue leading the nation in cutting red tape and expanding freedom” as he seeks another term steering Idaho’s economic and regulatory direction.

His re-election effort enters the race with momentum. Support from individuals and businesses across all 44 counties has helped build a campaign fund nearing $1.5 million. Little also acknowledged former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, calling it meaningful support for the “commonsense values” pursued by his administration.

The governor plans to formally kick off his campaign following the conclusion of the legislative session, while continuing to focus on his ENDURING IDAHO agenda — a platform centered on fiscal discipline, government efficiency, strong schools, workforce development, and long-term prosperity.

Little, first elected in 2018, faces no term limits under Idaho law and is eligible to seek a third term.

Other 2026 Idaho Gubernatorial Candidates

The 2026 gubernatorial field includes candidates from the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian, Independent, and Constitution parties, based on current filings with the Secretary of State office. Candidates can file until Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.

Republican Candidates

Justin R. Plante, mechanic

Sean Calvert Crystal, previously ran for Idaho’s 32nd legislative district

Mark Fitzpatrick, bar owner and organizer of the Hetero Awesome Fest in Eagle

Ethan Giles

Democratic Candidates

Terri Pickens, attorney and 2022 lieutenant governor nominee

Libertarian Candidates

Melissa‑Sue Robinson, perennial candidate

Paul Sand, 2022 Libertarian nominee for governor

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Suspect has serious injuries after chase ends in crash on Interstate 70

KMIZ on February 24, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A suspect was seriously injured when a chase ended in a crash near the Blackwater exit on Interstate 70 in Cooper County.

The chase started near Oak Grove, east of Kansas City, said Sgt. Justin Ewing with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop A. The suspect was in a vehicle reported stolen from Nebraska, Ewing said.

Troopers used spike strips to stop the vehicle, Sgt. Kyle Green with MSHP Troop F said. The vehicle rolled into a tractor-trailer when it crashed, he said.

The crash caused a traffic jam on both sides of the interstate.

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YRAK to host Huge Biannual Yard Sale

KYMA on February 24, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Random Acts of Kindness (YRAK) is hosting the Huge Biannual Yard Sale.

The yard sale is taking place on February 25 through March 1, and on March 5 through March 7, at 13472 E. 53rd Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

They are selling a variety of items such as clothes, tools, electronics, furniture, books, kitchenware and more.

However, YRAK says there will not be any pre-sales and no dogs are allowed during the yard sale.

To arrange for donation pickup or drop-off, call (928) 271-1846.

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Guadalupe’s Historic Train Caboose Has Left The Station

KEYT on February 24, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

GUADALUPE, Calif. (KEYT) – The city of Guadalupe took a step toward modernizing its transit hub this morning by removing an historic train caboose from the parking lot.

The whole operation took less than two hours.

The J.F. Will Company got started at 8:00 in the morning, punctuating the skyline with a crane, and the crew worked fast.

Guadalupe Station has been serving the century-old Santa Maria Valley Railroad in its current form since 1998.

But this caboose has been on the grounds since 1993.

“The Santa Maria Valley Railroad has been crucial in coordinating this effort and allowing this a spot in the yard to proceed with preservation efforts,” says Kevin O’roark, speaking for Friends Of The Santa Maria Valley Railroad.

First built in 1959, Santa Maria Valley Railroad’s Caboose 210 went into service in 1962 and had a thirty-year track record before arriving here for a stop that lasted another thirty years.

“Cabooses act as, like, an office, break room, restroom facility for the railroad crewmen, when they’re out switching,” says O’Roark.

Representative of the non-profit ‘Friends Of The Santa Maria Valley Railroad’ Kevin O’roark says the initial intent back in the nineties was to use it as an office space for the Chamber Of Commerce, but that plan never took shape and the caboose became an attraction.

“In the past, the Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad have held several open house events here so people could have access to it,” says O’Roark. “And we had docents available.”

By 9:30 Tuesday morning, the caboose was gone from the parking lot, on the road to its next stop.

“Knowing that it’s going back to Santa Maria Valley Railroad, I think it’s just the caboose is just going for a full circle,” says Guadalupe’s interim city administrator David Trujillo.

City leaders say that while some may see this as the loss of an historic landmark, construction can now begin on some critical modernization upgrades to Guadalupe Station.

“This here has been our only delay, actually getting the caboose on our truck and getting it getting gone,” says Trujillo. “So hopefully the next couple weeks, we’ll start construction and everything here will look totally different.”

The caboose was transported to the Santa Maria train yard where it will await refurbishment, possibly back to serviceable condition.

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Santa Barbara County Plans Tougher Actions on Illegal Food Vendors

KEYT on February 24, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – The proliferation of illegal food vendors in Santa Barbara County has been a challenge for government leaders for several years, but new plans could bring the situation under control.

The county is discussing more enforcement combined with an outreach to the public. In that communication the county will have public service announcements explaining that street kitchens have food that is transported without appropriate refrigeration or warming storage equipment.

Restaurants near the pop-up street kitchens have also complained about unfair business operations. Those owners claim the street operators do not have approved permits, health inspections, or fire prevention equipment.

The county has been frustrated by some state laws that allow for certain types of vendors with mobile carts to set up. The main target is larger cooking operations under pop ups that can be seen on roadside locations including around county sites in the Santa Maria valley, Highway 246 in the Santa Ynez Valley or near Santa Ynez High School.  Those without proper refrigeration or fire safety pose a health and safety risk.   Photos show some food in buckets on the ground before it is served.

There’s also no sign of bathrooms or hand washing stations. One complaint has included cooking impacts or grease left in the area.

They also say there is an economic impact on local businesses who are paying annual fees and going through inspections required by law.

Jason Aguilar and his family operate a restaurant in Northern Santa Barbara County. “Legitimate food businesses have to go through rigorous  inspections by the fire department and health department,” he told the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. He said in addition to the street kitchens, some people are running food establishments out of their yards and garages, similar to a restaurant with food and alcohol. “This not only violates state and local alcohol regulations but also creates a high risk of unknowingly serving minors.”

Several longtime restaurant owners in the Santa Maria area explained how street kitchens with no authorization have directly impacted local businesses and some have closed. One restaurant owner, speaking to the board in Spanish through an interpreter said, he was thinking of just closing and going out to the streets like others because he wouldn’t have the overhead costs. The message also pointed out the gap in enforcement.

County Supervisor Joan Hartmann said, “it is heart wrenching to hear that businesses that have been serving this community for decades and playing by the rules has to be threatened by people who aren’t.  It is a complicated problem.” She also said it is a statewide problem but there are local ways to control some aspects of it.

Hartmann was also particularly concerned about where these stands are set up near, for example, Santa Ynez High. Attracting a crowd in and around a street location is a safety concern. Hartmann has been working with the county in general to improve pedestrian trails and safety around the school after a fatality involving a child in a 2015 traffic accident.

County Environmental Health officials have said they are doing inspections, writing citations and at times confiscating equipment. They have had issues with storing the cooking supplies and food which is required until the legal process is completed. The report indicated only one operator has asked for their equipment back.

The county plans to increase its space to hold these item as part of the upgraded outreach and enforcement during the scheduled future actions.

County Supervisor Bob Nelson said he expects more night time enforcement when the kitchens are set up, and suggested that get done without overtime costs for the staff, just an adjustment in their work schedule.

“We don’t have to pay overtime. It seems like we are already employing them to do the work that needs to be done. We should have the regulatory staff meet the regulatory job that needs to be done not  the  9 to 5 job,” said Nelson.

The Executive Director of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, Tracy Beard said the problem has been ongoing and the impacts are directly felt. She said she has spoken not just to the Board of Supervisors but the regional Santa Barbara County Association of Governments. “We  have had  KEYT out there  to show that these things are happening. Open flames every weekend.  This is a catastrophe happening continuously. Supervisor Nelson and Hartmann are correct this must stop.”

Beard has gone out to take pictures as evidence of the problem she was speaking of. The county has many photos that back up their claims of health violations.

The county plans include:

Alert the public to health risks of consuming food from unlawfulvendors (e.g., foodborne illness and pest contamination)

County PIO will conduct six-month multifaceted media campaign

Digital and social media

Earned media (e.g., press releases in local newspapers)

Example Public Service Announcement (PSA)

The county says Compact Mobile Food operations are generally not the issue that is immediately before the board. Those include smaller fruit vending or ice cream carts.

Supervisor Steve Lavagnino said he was also concerned about other vendors. He pointed out a florist where he buys flowers in Santa Maria has closed and noted, nearby there were several street locations with free lance style sellers.

One of the speakers, a restaurant owner, said she has been doing research. In San Diego, where a similar problems exists, multiple business closures have taken place.  Some vendors have sued the city, alleging that restrictions conflict with state laws.

Some of the restaurant owners said they were concerned about the reaction in the community by their comments and said, many will not come forward for fear of retaliation. It is not known if that has been taking place but Supervisor Roy Lee told one owner, he personally will be coming to her restaurant the next time he is in Santa Maria.

Lee and is family are Carpinteria restaurant owners and he has personal experience in the cost of the operations.

He also said in Carpinteria they were very strict on enforcements even though vendors would move between city, county and state sites to avoid citations.

Supervisor Lavagnino also agreed a very aggressive enforcement would make a difference and said he would support it, even if it cost additional county funds during a time of budget tightening.

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