Santa Maria Valley high schools prepare to welcome hundreds of freshmen

KEYT on August 7, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Hundreds of incoming freshman across the Santa Maria Valley are getting ready to enter high school next week when the new academic year begins.

On Thursday, Aug. 13, the 2026-27 school year begins in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) at its four campuses, Santa Maria High School, Righetti High School, Pioneer Valley High School and Delta High School.

In preparation for the new year, some of the schools are holding orientation events for incoming freshman to better prepare them for the transition to their new school.

On Friday, Pioneer Valley is welcoming more than 800 9th graders to campus for the school’s annual “Link Crew Freshmen Orientation.”

During the event, upperclassmen will help guide freshmen class through a series of team building activities.

A key element of the event is each group of students is given a tour of the sprawling Pioneer Valley campus, which is home to nearly 3,400 students, making it the largest school on the Central Coast.

Link Crew is a year-long class that is designed to help provide a smooth and positive transition onto campus for freshmen and new students, as well as build and foster school spirit and culture.

The orientation allows freshmen to help create new friendships and connections, not only with other incoming new students, but also their Link Crew leaders as well.

In addition to taking part in the activities, students also will pick up their class schedule for the upcoming school year.

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Part of Powers Boulevard in Colorado Springs closed Friday morning due to fatal traffic accident

KRDO on August 7, 2026

Levette Sanchez

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)– The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is currently investigating a fatal traffic crash at the North Powers Boulevard/Palmer Park Boulevard intersection.

According to medical personnel on the scene, one female died as a result of the crash.

The preliminary investigation shows a vehicle traveling northbound on Powers struck a pedestrian at Palmer Park.

Police found her body in the Powers merge lane from westbound Palmer Park.

Northbound Powers between Palmer Park and Constitution Avenue was closed between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.

CSPD’s Major Crash Team is in charge of the investigation and says that alcohol and speeding are not factors in the accident.

“We’ve been speaking with the driver,” said Sgt. John Monaghan. “Sounds like he was on his way to work this morning, so they’re working with him to get all of that information, and reconstruct the scene to see exactly what happened.”

Police said that you can avoid a similar tragedy by crossing busy streets only at designated crosswalks and wearing light-colored or reflective clothing so that drivers can better see you.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.

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Life in the heat: How animals at the Living Desert thrive in the summer

KESQ on August 7, 2026

Kiera McKinney

PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- With temperatures in the Coachella Valley climbing into the triple digits, people are looking for ways to stay cool, but the animals living in the desert have their own survival strategies.

Native wild desert animals survive these extreme highs through behavioral and physical adaptations like nocturnal activity, underground burrows, and heat-dissipating features, while local pets require strict human intervention to prevent heat stroke and fatal outcomes

Surviving the desert heat isn’t new- it’s something these animals have had to adapt to over thousands of years.

Jenny Lynn Robinson with the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens says adaptations can look different depending on the animal.

“Some animals have big ears that help them dispel heat. Some animals have light coats that reflect the sun, and they know how to deal with the heat,” said Robinson.

Robinson said “burrowing owls, will go beneath the surface. It’s actually up to 15 degrees cooler, just a little bit below the surface,” is an example of the different ways animal’s deal with the heat.

Even animals that are built and used to the desert sometimes need help during the hottest months. “We like to go the extra mile and give them a new experiences to stay cool. So things like ice provide the opportunity. Maybe they play with it, maybe they munch on it, maybe they wait until the ice cools and they lay in the nice cool ground,” said Robinson

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Family of victim in Silvercrest CEO murder case now suing Cathedral City

KESQ on August 7, 2026

Garrett Hottle

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) The daughter of a woman killed in an October 2024 hit-and-run on East Palm Canyon Drive is suing the City of Cathedral City, alleging a burnt-out streetlamp left the roadway dangerously dark the night her mother was struck from behind and killed.

The wrongful death lawsuit, filed in Riverside County Superior Court and reviewed by News Channel 3, also names William Frank Rodriguez, the Silvercrest Advertising founder charged with murder in the crash and his company as defendants.

Christina Barrington (Left) and William “Billy” Rodriguez (Right)

Christiana Lewis filed the suit on Dec. 31, 2025, over the death of her mother, Christina Barrington. The 60-year-old mother was riding her scooter east on East Palm Canyon Drive near Bankside Drive shortly before 1 a.m. on Oct. 11, 2024, along with her dog, when she was hit from behind, according to the complaint. She died the next day at Desert Regional Medical Center.

Barrington worked as a nurse, according to her death certificate, which is attached to the court filing.

Rodriguez faces criminal charges of murder, felony hit-and-run and driving on a suspended license in Riverside County Superior Court.

He has pleaded not guilty. His preliminary hearing began Aug. 3 and is set to resume Aug. 31 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

The civil case opens a second legal front one aimed not only at the driver, but also Cathedral City.

The case against Cathedral City

The lawsuit’s first amended complaint, filed June 12, alleges the stretch of East Palm Canyon Drive where Barrington was hit was in a dangerous condition because of “inadequate lighting in the area, creating a hidden danger, hazard, and extreme risk of danger for persons driving in the subject area at night.”

A government claim filed with the city in March 2025, attached to the lawsuit, is more specific: it alleges a streetlamp on the south sidewalk of East Palm Canyon Drive near the point of impact “was not in proper functioning order as the lamp was burnt and not illuminating.”

“Additionally, there were no signs to warn drivers of the dangerous condition,” the complaint alleges.

The complaint claims the city knew or should have known about the lighting and cites several standards it says the city fell short of, including the city’s own outdoor lighting ordinance.

The case against William “Billy” Rodriguez and Silvercrest

The lawsuit alleges Rodriguez drove a 2021 Porsche SUV “at speeds in excess of the marked speed limit, while under the voluntarily, willful, known, and purposeful influence of alcohol” and struck the rear of Barrington’s scooter. It alleges he then fled the scene.

Rodriguez has pleaded not guilty in the criminal case.

The suit also targets Silvercrest Advertising, the Palm Springs company Rodriguez founded, claiming the company owned the Porsche and negligently entrusted it to him.

Court records show Rodriguez’s driver’s license had been suspended since a 2013 DUI conviction in Los Angeles County and was never reinstated.

What the family is seeking

Lewis is seeking economic and non-economic damages, including compensation for “the loss of Barrington’s love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, moral support, training, and guidance,” according to the complaint. She is also demanding punitive damages and a jury trial.

A case filing from July puts Barrington’s medical bills at $685,612 as of mid-July.

Where the case stands

Court records show the City of Cathedral City was served in June and notified the court in July that it intends to challenge the complaint, a move that extended its deadline to respond into late August.

Responses from Rodriguez and Silvercrest Advertising were due Friday, according to a filing by the family’s attorneys.

The City of Cathedral City told News Channel 3 it does not comment on ongoing litigation.

News Channel 3 first spoke with Lewis in October 2024, days after her mother was killed.

The criminal case against Rodriguez continues Aug. 31.

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Construction Underway on New Outdoor Classrooms for Carpinteria Kids

KEYT on August 7, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The play yards at Carpinteria Children’s Project are getting a new purpose.

The spaces are being rebuilt into outdoor classrooms, giving children more ways to learn through nature and play.

“We wanted to encourage the kids and the staff to spend more time outside. We have been doing a lot of professional development to teach our staff the importance of learning while being outdoors,” said executive director Teresa Alvarez of the Carpinteria Children’s Project.

The new spaces will take lessons beyond the traditional classroom.

Children will be able to explore, create and learn through hands-on activities built into the outdoor environment.

“We also want a space that feels comfortable and beautiful and is full of nature experiences for the kids that come to school here,” said Alvarez.

The project is designed around the way young children learn through movement, curiosity and interaction.

“Really fostering that creativity in the natural way that really develops their imagination,” said director of early learning Guadalupe Perez of the Carpinteria Children’s Project.

“Research shows that kids do a lot better when they’re out in nature, exploring, and playing and moving their bodies in different ways than they would inside of the classroom. For several years, it’s been a dream and now we’re super excited that it’s coming true,” said Alvarez.

Construction is expected to be finished by the end of the year, turning what was once a traditional play yard into a new part of the school day.

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Tiger, alligator seized during homicide investigation in Juárez

KVIA on August 7, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — State and federal authorities in Juárez seized a tiger and an alligator while investigating an alleged homicide Thursday.

During operations, Chihuahua State Police, Mexican National Guard, Mexican Army and the State Investigation Agency looked into a homicide that reportedly happened between July 31-Aug. 1, officials said.

The first search happened at a car wash in the 16 de Septiembre neighborhood. That’s where authorities found a caged Bengal tiger, an alligator and four dogs, according to authorities.

Authorities in Juárez, Mexico, found a caged tiger during a homicide investigation.(Courtesy: SSPE Chihuahua)

Authorities also seized a Hummer allegedly linked to the homicide under investigation.

Authorities seized a hummer allegedly tied to a homicide investigation in Juárez.(Courtesy: SSPE Chihuahua)

The second search happened at a home in the Álvaro Obregón neighborhood — where the homicide allegedly took place, authorities said.

Authorities found traces of blood and other evidence, officials said.

After seizing the animals, personnel from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection went to the site to take custody, officials said. Both properties went under the disposal of the Public Prosecutor’s Office for legal proceedings.

The dog and alligator found during the investigation.(Courtesy: SSPE Chihuahua)

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‘No Excuse for Abuse’: man charged after 100 animals found starving, confined in heat

KVIA on August 7, 2026

Mia Tricarico

San Elizario, Texas (KVIA) — One hundred animals have been rescued and transported to a ranch after an investigation led to a man’s arrest and an animal cruelty charge, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. The animals were transported to a nonprofit animal rescue called Gracey’s Rescue Ranch.

Santos Gordillo Torres allegedly neglected dozens of animals in San Elizario, the sheriff’s office said. Authorities reported seeing unsanitary conditions with signs of malnourishment.

Images of Santos Gordillo Torres’ arrest after an investigation led to dozens of animals being rescued. (Courtesy: EPCSO)

According to court documents obtained by ABC-7, J. Murphy, an El Paso County Animal Welfare officer, saw the animals lacked basic care like food, water and shelter.

After his first observation of the neglected animals, Officer Murphy issued a 24-hour notice to Torres, telling him to get the animals veterinarian care, documents said.

The next day, Officer Murphy alleged Torres made no effort to get the animals proper care or improve their living conditions, documents said.

The animals were transported to a nonprofit animal rescue called Gracey’s Rescue Ranch.

ABC-7 reached out to Gracey’s Rescue Ranch for an update on the animals’ conditions.

“So when I got the call, we were called to get ten animals. They asked us to come back the next day and they said, how many can you take?”

Thats when Mike Gracey arrived to the property and realized he was going to rescue 100 animals instead of ten.

He told ABC-7 it was more animals than he ever anticipated on rescuing.

“Usually it’s one horse at a time. Even the ten for us was like, okay, it’s kind of a lot. But you know, we we didn’t know what the situation was or what the aspect or hey, we have ten animals in need. We didn’t even know what kind of ten animals.”

ABC-7 asked Gracey if he had any second thoughts once he discovered how many animals were in need of rescue.

“It was really something that we know we had to make happen, and we just knew we could do it. We just had to figure out everything afterwards. We made it happen.” Gracey replied.

County Animal Welfare officer observed that most of the horses hooves were overgrown and that many horses were thin, according to court documents.

Gracey explained to ABC-7 that overgrown hooves cause horses to feel pain, especially when walking or running.

The defendant Santos Gordillo Torres, told deputies he was feeding the horses racehorse food which does not allow the horses to gain weight, according to court documents.

He also told deputies he invested most of his time with the miniature ponies, that he rented out but he confessed he had no formal training or education on caring for livestock animals.

Court documents also said that a female pig was confined in a 120 degree enclosure, with no access to food or water.

The El Paso County Sheriff, Oscar Urgate told ABC-7 in a statement,” The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for animal cruelty. There is no excuse for abusing, neglecting, or failing to provide proper care for an animal. When these cases are reported to us, we will investigate them thoroughly and take enforcement action when the evidence supports it.”

They also shared a message for the community,” We also ask our community to be our eyes and ears. If you see or suspect animal cruelty or neglect, report it. Speaking up can save an animal’s life.”

While the investigation remains active and ongoing, the focus at Gracey’s Rescue Ranch stays centered on the long road to recovery for the many rescued animals. The sanctuary is currently accepting community donations and volunteers to help cover the unexpected costs of veterinary care, proper nutrition, and rehabilitation for the 100 animals now in their care.

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Where’s Washington? Status of ex-NMSU basketball player facing 15 felonies remains unknown

KVIA on August 7, 2026

Max Zepeda

LAS CRUCES, N.M.(KVIA) — Twice in a week, former New Mexico State University basketball player Deshawndre Washington failed to appear in court for an ongoing hazing case. Washington is accused of 15 felonies tied to a hazing scandal during the 2023-23 NMSU basketball season.

Part of the season was cancelled, and NMSU’s men’s basketball coach at the time, Greg Heiar, was fired amid the allegations.

Monday, Washington failed to appear in Las Cruces for court and was later seen playing in a basketball tournament in Lebanon. His agency said conflict in the Middle East prevented him from returning to the U.S. for court.

After his absence on Monday, a judge ordered a bench warrant for his arrest.

Wednesday, he failed to answer the call to the court. That day, a judge lifted a gag order so those tied to the case can speak publicly about it.

Since Wednesday, Washington’s attorneys and his agency remained silent about his whereabouts.

Friday, ABC-7 reached out to a former U.S. Marshal to explain what’s next for Washington’s case, and what law enforcement can do to bring him back to the U.S.

ABC-7 also reached out to Washington’s representatives for comment, and while his lawyers would not provide new information, his agent Kerry Carter confirmed to ABC-7 that Washington’s agency is in the works of providing new details to TMZ.

The New Mexico Department of Justice continues to pursue the case.

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A Santa Barbara Love Story Rooted in Centuries of Local History

KEYT on August 7, 2026

Ivania Montes

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Carmelinda and David Valencia’s love story lasted nearly four decades, but the history that connected them stretches back hundreds of years.

The couple first met as students at Bishop Diego High School. After graduating, they went their separate ways, never expecting their paths would cross again.

Years later, a chance encounter at the post office changed everything.

“Then one day, I was in the post office and he was waiting on me, and we sort of just connected right there,” Carmelinda Valencia recalled.

As they spent more time together, conversations about their families uncovered something unexpected… a shared connection to Santa Barbara’s earliest history.

“As we started seeing each other more, we started talking about our families and the history of them, and it seemed to fascinate us both with each other’s history,” Carmelinda Valencia said.

David’s family traces its ancestry to the Barbareño Chumash, while Carmelinda’s family descends from some of the region’s earliest Spanish settlers.

“He goes back centuries and centuries,” Carmelinda said. “His grandmother, Mary, was very involved in helping to preserve the Barbareño Chumash culture, where my husband was a part of that culture.”

Through the work of David’s grandmother, Mary Yee, and later his aunt, Ernestine Ygnacio De Soto, the Barbareño Chumash language, traditions and history were preserved for future generations.

Carmelinda’s family history is equally intertwined with Santa Barbara’s beginnings.

“Captain Jose Francisco Ortega helped establish the Presidio in Santa Barbara. He was my grandmother’s ancestor. My grandfather was related to Corporal Jose Ignacio Rodriguez, who served during that same time,” she said.

Together, their family histories tell the story of Santa Barbara’s earliest communities, dating back to the establishment of the Presidio in the late 1700s.

“My grandmother was related to Ortega, and my grandfather was related to Corporal Rodriguez. Later, our families came together. So yes, we go back that far to the 1700s, when the Presidio was established in Santa Barbara.”

Today, the influence of both families can still be found throughout Santa Barbara, from historic landmarks and street names to cultural traditions that continue to shape the community.

“Celebrating any culture or history is positive because you’re trying to keep that history alive,” Carmelinda said. “I think it all has value because it’s a way of carrying forward the legacy of all that history that occurred and that we need to remember.”

David died in November 2025, but Carmelinda says his presence remains with her every day.

“I feel like he’s with me all the time. When I’m home, he’s everywhere. He’s in every room, every bookshelf he built, every room that he painted,” she said.

Reflecting on their 37-year marriage, Carmelinda says the secret was simple.

“My husband always used to say we’ve been married 37 years, and it felt like yesterday. We just enjoyed each other’s company. If we had differences, we worked through them. It was good.”

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WATCH: Old Spanish Day’s Desfile Histórico 2026

KEYT on August 7, 2026

News Channel 3-12

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – For the 103rd year, hundreds of horses, floats, clubs, organizations, and carriages all honoring Santa Barbarian culture and history will make its way down Cabrillo Blvd for the annual Desfile Histórico.

News Channel’s very own John Palminteri will lead the parade as this year’s Grand Marshal!

The parade will kick off at 12:00pm, and you can watch it LIVE below or on the KEYT Youtube Channel.

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