Washed Up Boat in Summerland Causes Maritime Safety Concerns

KEYT on April 29, 2026

John Palminteri

SUMMERLAND, Calif. (KEYT) – During the intense winds Monday, a sailboat broke away from its anchor spot and ended up on the beach in Summerland.

It was immediately a serious concern if it were to break up and have pieces go into the ocean. Also if it had oil and gas leaking out.

It was originally around Butterfly Beach east of Santa Barbara and came ashore near a concrete wall west of Lookout Park.

Harry Rabin is a Field Consultant with Heal the Ocean and inspected the boat, the location and the risks earlier this week. Then with a county policy in place and a posting from the Sheriff’s Department he had the authority to remove it.

Rabin says, “the owner was given ample warning and this is at least his third offense so this needs to be stopped. This environmental terrorism in its own manner for the sake of profit.”

Heal the Ocean and Marborg have worked together on boat removals in the past, mainly during winter storms.

The owner of this vessel was on site and had tools out to retrieve parts but it was too late. The timeline was set by the tides.

Marborg had to use a ramp down the beach from the boat crash and bring heavy equipment and a rolloff to the location.

“Marborg is well on top of this. Brian Borgatello and his sons who are operating the excavator. They know what they are doing and this is not easy and the tide would not go low enough to let us get to the boat without moving it,” said Rabin.

The work was done to get the largest pieces in the rolloff dumpster without anything leaking out. Had it broken up on the concrete wall, it would have been a higher risk. Rabin said, “we don’t know what septic is on there, it is an inboard engine, it is going to pollute the ocean no matter what you do.”

A cleanup crew picked up the remaining pieces by hand and raked the beach so it was safe for the public and the environment before they left.

The owner did not comment on camera but said he tried to save the vessel once he heard it was drifting but that effort failed.

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.

EXCLUSIVE: Non-Profit Steps In For Santa Barbara Woman on Brink of Eviction

KEYT on April 29, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. (KEYT) – A Santa Barbara woman who rebuilt her life after homelessness is now just days away from losing the home she worked years to secure — after an injury set off a financial spiral she couldn’t recover from in time.

Shawn Hernandez starts each morning walking her small dog, Dominique, through her neighborhood — a routine she says represents stability she once thought she might never have again.

“I worked really hard to get here,” Hernandez said. “I was on the streets before this.”

Her apartment now holds the markers of that recovery: a sofa, a television, and a workspace where she creates Betty Boop artwork. For a while, she said, life finally felt steady.

Then an unexpected injury kept her from working.

Hernandez said the loss of income quickly pushed her behind on rent. Although she returned to work, it wasn’t enough to catch up.

By the time she sought assistance, she was already in crisis.

“We kept seeing people right on the edge with nowhere to turn,” said Al Ortiz, who now leads a new non-profit focused on preventing eviction before it happens. “If we step in early, we can keep someone housed.”

Ortiz, a former outreach worker in Santa Barbara, said the goal is to intervene during what he calls a critical window — before housing is lost and recovery becomes far more difficult.

Hernandez’s situation reflects a broader gap in the system. Some residents are at risk of losing housing but don’t qualify for assistance until it’s too late to prevent eviction.

“There are people at risk who don’t qualify for help until it’s too late,” said Deputy City Administrator Anthony Valdez.

Hernandez now has until April 30th to pay her rent and keep her apartment.

For now, the door remains open — but time is running out.

Anyone wanting to help those in Hernandez’ position, can donate through the non-profit.

You can also contact Al Ortiz directly at: 805-298-4290.

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.

Community urges Calipatria City Council to keep city manager

KYMA on April 29, 2026

Lynette Niebla

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) – In the small, quiet town of Calipatria, tensions at City Hall were running high as residents packed the chambers to defend City Manager Laura Gutierrez against a sudden termination.

At Tuesday night’s regular meeting, the community made their voices heard, flooding the podium during public comments to urge officials to reconsider their decision to terminate.

Gutierrez began her tenure as the city manager of Calipatria in June 2023.

According to residents, she has since led significant efforts in city beautification and the planning of various community events.

Many residents are now left questioning the council’s reasoning behind the sudden leadership shift.

Click here to follow the original article.

Central Oregon’s CET launches new transit route, expands Dial-A-Ride area

KTVZ on April 29, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit (CET), operated by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), will launch new public transit Route 21 on May 5th, 2026. This new route will connect Warm Springs, Madras, Kah-Nee-Ta, and Simnasho. The service aims to expand access to jobs, health care, essential services, and recreation for the Warm Springs community and surrounding areas.

Route 21 will operate as a 15-month pilot program. This initiative is funded through a state grant. CET is partnering with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on this service expansion.

CET has also expanded its Dial-A-Ride service area in Jefferson County. The expanded service now includes Metolius and a broader area within the city of Madras. Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb, shared-ride transportation service available to the general public without an application. It provides critical mobility options in communities where fixed-route service may be limited or unavailable.

Transit Director Bob Townsend at CET, emphasized the importance of transportation services. “Transportation is a lifeline for many residents in Central Oregon,” Townsend said. “By expanding service in Jefferson County and launching the Simnasho route, we are improving more than mobility, we are connecting people to opportunity, independence and essential resources that support daily life.”

CET and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will continue pursuing additional funding for Route 21. Their goal is to support long-term service and work toward making the route a permanent part of the regional transit network. Bus stop schedules for Route 21 will be updated by May 4th.

CET’s mission is to exceed rider expectations by delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality transit that strengthens regional connectivity, reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability, and enhances quality of life.

CET will continue to pursue additional funding to support long-term service for Route 21. Bus stop schedules will be updated by May 4th. Riders can schedule Dial-A-Ride trips by calling CET’s Customer Service Center at 541-385-8680.

Click here to follow the original article.

EF-2 tornado hits Saline, Howard counties on Monday, NWS confirms

KMIZ on April 29, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Officials are continuing to learn more about Monday’s severe weather.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado developed near the Bluebird Trail southwest of Slater at 6:52 a.m. Monday. The storm went east into Howard County and eventually made its way to Gilliam and Glasgow in Howard County and south or southeast of Higbee in Randolph County.

Winds peaked in the storm at 115 miles per hours, according to the National Weather Service.

Multiple rounds of storms hit the area on Monday and an EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Randolph and Monroe counties.

Check back for updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Local News 8 joins “Battle of The Badges” blood drive challenge to help save lives across Idaho

KIFI on April 29, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – A friendly competition between Air Idaho Rescue, EIRMC, and American Red Cross has now made its way right into the Local News 8 Newsroom. Megan Lavin and Danielle Mullenix spoke with representatives at the North Idaho Falls ER about the latest updates on the “Battle of the Badges” and joined the challenge to help raise awareness for the nationwide blood shortage.

Danielle & Megan seen holding their team’s coins up. Team O Positive and Team A Positive representing different divisions of Air Idaho Rescue first responders.

The statewide competition has invited donors to give blood at any American Red Cross location through Wednesday, April 29th. Each donation earns points for a selected team, adding a competitive twist to an effort to address a nationwide blood shortage.

Participants can choose between two teams:

Team A Positive: representing Air Idaho’s rotor-wing crews, EMS, and area fire departments

Team O Positive: representing Air Idaho’s fixed-wing crews and local law enforcement

Each unit of blood donated can help save up to three lives, according to organizers. Certain donations—such as Power Red, O-negative blood types, first-time donors, and donations made on the final day of the competition—can earn double points.

Organizers say the need for blood is constant, especially for emergency responders like Air Idaho Rescue. Their aircraft operate as flying intensive care units, equipped with life-saving tools and even blood supplies that can be administered mid-flight to patients experiencing severe blood loss.

Denim Butler, a representative from the Idaho Falls Donor Recruitment Department, shared that this competition goes beyond a friendly rivalry.

“With the blood shortage that we have in the nation, and summer coming, the 100 deadliest days of summer are right around the corner,” Butler said. “It is very critical to get in now and donate blood as often as you possibly can. Of course, it’s fun to see you [Danielle and Megan] joining in on the spirit of this rivalry, and we hope people can see how accessible giving blood can be.”

“Everyone is invited to help combat the nationwide blood shortage by donating,” said Air Methods Account Executive Jill Egan. “Every donation is worth one point in our competition. When people donate, they can choose to join Team A+ so their point goes to the Air Idaho rotor wing, EMS, and firefighter team, or Team O+ so their point goes to the Air Idaho fixed-wing and law enforcement team. Double points are given for power red and O-negative blood, rookie donors, and donations made on April 29, which is the last day of the competition.”

Donations will be tallied based on a point system for each team, and an award ceremony at the North Idaho Falls ER will announce the official Air Idaho Rescue winning team for this year’s “Battle of the Badges” competition.

To donate blood or participate, donors can register through the American Red Cross website and schedule an appointment at a donation center near them.

Click here to follow the original article.

St. Charles man accused of sexually abusing 2 women at Columbia party

KMIZ on April 29, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man from St. Charles, Missouri, accused of sexually abusing two women at a Columbia party in November was booked into the Boone County Jail on Tuesday night.

Hayk Darbinyan, 20, was charged with first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse and misdemeanor third-degree kidnapping. He is being held at the jail without bond. A hearing was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Two probable cause statements were filed in the case that described a party occurring the night of Nov. 1 and into Nov. 2 at Grayson Cottages. Darbinyan is accused of abusing two women at the party. He allegedly acted “aggressive” while trying to sodomize both women, but successfully did so with one, court documents allege.

Police noted in one of the statements that a photo was taken at the party that allegedly showed Darbinyan with his hand between one of the women’s legs. Multiple witnesses spoke with police.

Click here to follow the original article.

San Luis Obispo County District 4 candidates meet with public in forums

KEYT on April 29, 2026

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – A pair of public forums are allowing the public to hear directly from the two candidates that are vying for the supervisor seat in San Luis Obispo County District 4.

On Monday morning, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce held the first one at the SLO Ranch marketplace.

“The SLO Chamber is so honored to offer this unique opportunity for our public to come in and have a very different experience with their candidates,” said Garret Olson, San Luis Obispo Chamber President/CEO. “This is an opportunity for opening comments and for closing comments, but in between there an opportunity to sit down and have a have a dialog back and forth to ask the questions that they want to ask with their own voice to respond to those questions.”

Taking part in the 90-minute forum was incumbent District 4 Supervisor and current board chair Jimmy Paulding, as well as challenger Adam Verdin, an Oceano businessman, attorney and community volunteer.

“Today was a great opportunity to just sit down with folks at the table, have a cup of coffee, and have a conversation about the future of our city, county community,” said Paulding. “I love the one-on-ones. One of my favorite aspects of campaigning are meet and greets, like this one where we get to sit in a nice pavilion and have a conversation about the future of our community. It’s great to connect with people and voters on a one-on-one individual basis.”

Verdin, who is seeking his first ever political office, agreed with Paulding that the small, face-to-face gathering allowed for direct personal dialog and feedback.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to meet folks in the business community, listen to their concerns, and have an opportunity to share my vision of San Luis Obispo County, particularly for the district,” said Verdin. “I think the most meaningful time for me is speaking with people one-on-one and really listening to their concerns, and understanding their perspective in the community, and what they would like to see different, and what they would like to be, and what they would like to see changed in the next four years.”

Paulding and Verdin will also take part in a second candidate forum on Wednesday at the South County Regional Center in Arroyo Grande.

The second forum will be held by the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County and run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

District 4 in San Luis Obispo County represents Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Oceano, Huasna, Edna Valley, California Valley and other unincorporated portions of the South County.

Voting for the seat will be held during the Primary Election on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

A candidate will need to capture a majority of votes in June to win the election. If not, a runoff will take place during the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

Whoever wins the race will be sworn in early January 2027.

Click here to follow the original article.

Columbia firefighter union head pleads not guilty to felony charge

KMIZ on April 29, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The head of the Columbia firefighters’ union waived his arraignment and pleaded not guilty to a felony charge, according to Tuesday court filings.

Zachary Privette is charged with third-degree assault of a special victim. He was arrested last month and had bonded out of jail. An entry of appearance was filed by his attorney on Tuesday. An initial court appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14.

The probable cause statement says police were called around 9 p.m. March 23 to Truman’s Bar and Grill in western Columbia. The victim – who police had previously stated was considered elderly under Missouri law – went to pick up an order at the bar and noticed a group of people he used to work with at the Columbia Fire Department.

The victim walked up to the table and Privette allegedly started yelling at the victim because he was upset the victim no longer attended union meetings, the statement says. The victim left the table to pick up his order and left the building, but Privette allegedly saw him in the parking lot and started yelling while walking up to him, the statement says.

Privette then assaulted the victim by putting him in a headlock and eventually pushed the victim to the ground, the statement says. Privette then allegedly kicked the victim while the victim was on the ground, the statement says. Privette then allegedly went to the ground and started punching the victim, court documents allege.

A witness saw the end of the assault when both men were on the ground, the statement says. That person told police they saw Privette get up and go back into the restaurant after someone in a vehicle flashed their lights, the statement says.

Police reviewed video footage that allegedly lined up with the victim’s story, the statement says.

Privette’s attorney Jeff Hilbrenner gave no comment on Wednesday.

Click here to follow the original article.

Trial set for Overland Park man accused of stabbing captain on Hawaii snorkel tour

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Nick Sloan

Click here for updates on this story

    OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KMBC) — A trial date is now set for an Overland Park man accused of a violent stabbing aboard a snorkel tour boat off Hawaii’s Kona coast.

Online court records in Hawaii say that Avery Nissen is scheduled to stand trial on Aug. 25, 2026.

A pretrial conference is set for July 13.

Nissen pleaded not guilty during his arraignment, where a judge also kept his bail set at $1.57 million.

Court records show Nissen is charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault and second-degree assault.

An affidavit in the case said Nissen allegedly used a filet knife to stab the 62-year-old boat captain.

Other passengers intervened and restrained him until the boat returned to shore.

The victim suffered a stab wound to the abdomen along with cuts to his head and hands. He was hospitalized and listed in stable condition.

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.