Author: KEYT

Mina Wahab

GOLETA, Calif. — As Fourth of July celebrations approach, local officials are urging caution with fireworks, citing thousands of injuries and growing wildfire risks. With stricter bans in place and a rise in alternative celebrations like drone shows, communities across Santa Barbara County are being reminded that safety should come first this holiday season.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2023, there were an estimated 6,400 firework-related injuries nationwide between June 16 and July 16—when many people purchase and use fireworks for the holiday.

Injuries aren’t the only hazard. Fireworks can also spark wildfires.

“Well, last year we had some kids playing with illegal fireworks who caused a vegetation fire. Fortunately, our resources were able to get on scene and contain it quickly. But situations can change rapidly,” said Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Scott Safechuck.

Safechuck warns that even “safe and sane” fireworks can pose serious risks.

In places like Oceano, all fireworks—including “safe and sane” varieties—are now banned.

Safechuck offered tips for those planning to use legal fireworks.

“If they’re going to be using ‘safe and sane’ fireworks in the designated areas, have water nearby. If a firework doesn’t go off and it’s a dud, squirt it with water and soak it. Don’t approach it, because it could go off unintentionally in your hand.”

To avoid the dangers associated with fireworks, the City of Goleta is hosting its first-ever drone show.

“A drone show really is a story in the sky. There will be 150 drones, and over the course of 12 to 15 minutes, they’ll create different images in the sky. Hopefully, that will resonate with our community,” said City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover.

The drone show will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Dos Pueblos High School football stadium.

The event is free and open to the community, featuring line dancing, live music, and a variety of food vendors.

Those who choose to use illegal fireworks may face hefty fines.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Ranchers and other similar business owners in Santa Maria received some instructions on procedures if they receive a visit from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Attorneys, advocates, and a representative of congressman Salud Carbajal’s office made presentations, but some attendees have had direct encounters with ICE agents that have left them shaken.

A significant portion of Santa Maria’s working population are Hispanic farm workers and ranchers, and the recent escalation of ICE activities nearby and around the nation have directly impacted the community.

“With everything going on, it seems like, you know, there’s just a big push on the federal agents to, you know, detain or arrest community members who might be undocumented or who are who are documented,” says MICOP’s program manager Fernando Martinez.

A forum was held for business owners and ranchers in Santa Maria Tuesday morning.

“Tu Tiempo Digital, MICOP, CAUSE, among other community based organizations like the Undocufund, are organizing a community forum to talk to different agencies, employers on how to respond,” says Martinez.

Additionally, wives and children of latino detainees were present to share their testimonials of direct interactions with ICE agents. 

One woman, who declined to give her name, shared her story in Spanish.

“They got closer and saw, and the kids were crying in the back. And the boy began to say, ‘No my dad, my dad is good. He hasn’t done anything.’”

The Mixteco / Indigena Community Organizing Project’s (MICOP) program manager Fernando Martinez says ICE agents are carrying out arrests with questionable methods.

“Workplaces are private property,” says Martinez. “And that means federal agents have to be able to demonstrate that they have a warrant and they have to show that up to the employer. They can’t just go in at the workplace in start arresting community members. And this is the same thing at any workplace.”

Thorough instructions of the rights of Hispanic employees and proper procedures when encountering ICE agents were provided in various presentations at the forum.

“They didn’t show him a single picture of him, not a single record. Everything that they showed him photos of another person and that they told him that it was a misunderstanding, but they had him there anyways.”

Emphasis was made that businesses and work sites are private property, and that federal agents are prohibited from entering without proper warrants.

If any local residents see anything questionable, they’re encouraged to call the Immigration Coalition Rapid Response Network at (805) 870-8855.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A large sand berm is being built up on the Santa Barbara West Beach section where the 4th of July fireworks show will be held.

The annual show will draw over 20,000 people to that immediate site of the waterfront and over 100,000 from East Beach to Shoreline Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

The sky will light up after a day of music on the West Beach stage featuring local musicians playing patriotic music, rock ‘n roll and crowd favorites. The show is free and funded by local sponsors.

The fireworks display is paid for by the City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department and coordinated by many city departments including the Parks and Recreation Department, the PARC Foundation and Public Works.

Betsy Weber recalls last year. “We’ve never seen  a beach front as  spectacular for sure!” She said ” it was festive and fun and crowded  and joyful it was wonderful!” Her husband would rather be away from the area saying “it is closer to the fridge!” at home.

The public will see many areas changing this week in time for celebrations and gatherings around the Central Coast for the 4th of July festivities.

No parking signs will be going up on Cabrillo Boulevard to clear out specific areas for vendors and roll off dumpsters. There will be a designated area for the Land Shark touring vehicle that will remain in place.

A patriotic look is going up on Stearns Wharf with flags and bunting. American flags will also be up on State Street in the downtown area.

The public often looks to secure prime viewing spots on Leadbetter Beach and Chase Palm Park prior to the fireworks shows. That includes the picnic areas and open spaces on the grass. Tents, pop-ups and cooking sites will be full.

The area will be closely patrolled by Santa Barbara Police, the Harbor Patrol, Park Rangers and Santa Barbara City Fire.

Some will be closer to their neighborhoods and hang with friends there. “I think I am just going to stay home and be with family and stay off the beaches,”   said Alicia James a recent high school graduate.   “That’s how I grew up being with family and spending time with them. It just means a lot to me ya know?”

Lucia Metcalfe says will be using peddle power. “I would say biking is the best way  if you can park kind of far away and you don’t have to deal with parking or traffic.”

Montecito is getting set for its parade from Upper Manning Park to Lower Manning Park on the 4th of July. It starts at 11:30 a.m. and is put on by the Montecito Association.

Earlier in the morning there will be a pancake breakfast at the main Montecito Fire Station. “Pancake breakfast with the fire department is always my favorite, I went to cold spring school and we knew all the firefighters at the Montecito Fire department,” said Metcalfe.

Butterfly beach is one area where a ban on bonfires is being enforced.

No fireworks are allowed other than authorized shows.

That includes safe and sane fireworks. They can only be used in the cities where they are sold including Fillmore, Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Guadalupe.

The ban on fireworks of any type will be in place in Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Goleta and the Los Padres National Forest.

Goleta will have an alternative to a fireworks sky show. It will have a drone show at Dos Pueblos High School with the gates opening at 6 and the show at dusk.

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens will have the Primetime Band with patriotic music and sing-a-longs at 5 p.m.

There will be street closures on some sections of Cabrillo Boulevard on the waterfront at 6 p.m. and Stearns Wharf will not allow cars, just people, after 3 p.m.

4th of July – Santa Barbara West Beach

West Beach Bandstand Music Show Lineup

12:00 p.m. –  12:15 p.m. Ala Carte 

 with Jan Ingram and Henry Garrett  (American patriotic favorites)

12:20 p.m. -12:50 p.m.  Rock Shop Academy  

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Goodlanders ( rock cover songs)2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Peer Pressure (rock cover songs)3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – The Three Combroneros  (70’s cover)4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Walking Coco (cover songs)

5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. – The Other Woman (rock, cover songs)

5:45 pm   Old Spanish Days.  El Presidente Fritz Olenberger   Spirit – Natalia Trevinio   Junior Spirit – Victoria Placencia6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. – Ladyfinger. (Grateful Dead cover)

7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. – East Valley Rd  (originals, rock and R & B)

7:45 p.m.     Uncle Sam Patriotic tribute   Army veteran Kraig Pakulski  

8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. – False Puppet  (rock)

8:45 p.m.     Kiki Reyes  Star Spangled Banner     Oscar Gutierrez  Pledge of Allegiance

9:00 p.m. – 9:20 p.m. – Fireworks!  

* plus special guests including La Boheme Dancers throughout the day

Media partners 92.9 KJEE       and  KEYT  Newschannel 3-12

Cabrillo Boulevard Sidewalk at West Beach

11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

 Tink’s Old Fashioned Hot Dogs, Lidos Philly Cheese Steaks, Timbers Roadhouse, G Brothers Kettle Corn, Elubia’s Kitchen, and The Deli Doctor.

Sponsors:The Point Market  and The Fuel Depot, Rudi Schulte Family Foundation, Montecito Bank & Trust, American Riviera Bank, The Berry Man, Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory, Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners and Tailors, Oshay Family Foundation, La Boheme Productions, Carlton Electrical, Dario Pini Investments, Herc Rentals

Event Coordinators in partnership with the City of Santa Barbara:Roger Perry Insurance, Kim Stabile -Timbers, Islay Events, Hector Hurtado, John Palminteri – host

Logistics:  Santa Barbara Waterfront Department, Parks and Recreation, PARC Foundation, Public Works,  Parking, Harbor Patrol, Police, Fire and Marborg Industries..

Fireworks – Garden State FireworksAll fireworks outside of the city’s show are illegal.  To report specific sites, contact SBPD’s Dispatch Center’s non-emergency line at 805-882-8900.  For emergencies, dial 9-1-1 with specific details.

Lifeguards will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Leadbetter Beach, West Beach, and East Beach.

Additional bike racks will be in place.The MTD Shuttle will be in operation until 6 p.m. along the waterfront.

Road closures:

Cabrillo Boulevard (from Castillo Street to Calle Cesar Chavez)

Closed to vehicle traffic at 6:00 p.m. 

State Street (from Gutierrez Street to Cabrillo Boulevard)

Closed to vehicle traffic at 6:00 p.m. 

Stearns Wharf

Closed to vehicle traffic at 3:30 p.m.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Domestic Violence Solutions (DVS) responds to the potential impact of federal grant fund cuts.

The organization provides safety, shelter, and support for those affected by domestic violence.

DVS also collaborates with community partners to raise awareness regarding the cause, prevalence and impact.

The non-profit is being forced to limit its services in the next six months by federal authorities.

This limitation will come as federal grants renew.

These limitations will include stopping all service to the undocumented, as well as to those whose gender is not as assigned at birth.

Loss of these grant funds will see half of the annual income for the organization cut in the next year.

The domestic violence solutions team hopes the community will support their efforts during his difficult time.

For more information, visit: https://dvsolutions.org/.

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John Palminteri

GOLETA, Calif. – Redwire in Goleta has completed a key solar component system capable of orbiting the moon as a power source and also working on the lunar surface for up to 90 days at a time.

Prior technology had a much shorter lifespan, about a week.

Redwire Civil and International Space President Mike Gold, “this is the culmination of a decade or more of work here in Goleta, of pursuing the dream of not only bringing people back to the moon but this time bringing them back to stay.”

The large Roll Out Solar Arrays known as ‘ROSA’ will be attached to an orbiting space craft and other smaller versions will have similar power uses.

Gold said, “so we hope to be using this technology, not only on the space station around the moon, but also on the surface of the moon itself.”

International partners from countries including Japan, Canada and United Arab Emirates joined in the presentation. Redwire says this project creates and grows domestic jobs.

Redwire CEO Pete Cannito said, “because it supports U.S. manufacturing jobs here in California in the United States. The foundation of what the U.S. is capable of doing in the terms of high tech in manufacturing you will see nothing better.”

The reveal was in a special design facility which required protective personal coverings for the staff and guests watching the debut.

The full deployment of the solar panels took only about seven minutes.

This power source with its longer uses has opened up many options.

Gold said, “we need to learn not only how to conduct science on the moon, but how to live off the land.”

Because the solar panels can roll out and roll up, dust which can reduce the power, can be cleared off.

The next stop for the ROSA will be Palo Alto where it will be assembled to a space station orbiter.

Over the years, Redwire says Goleta has always been a high tech hub with solar technology goals.

“We are taking a little part of Goleta and sending it to moon, but know that the road to the moon goes through Goleta,” said Gold with an enthusiastic voice.

The staff of about 200 employees also met with NASA officials.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Running for the bus may be put on hold if teamsters go on strike.

The union agreed to a one-day contract extension on Monday. If no agreement is reached by Tuesday night, members of Teamsters Local 186 plan to begin picketing outside the Santa Barbara Transit Center.

“MTD has been surface bargaining for the past two months. We’re in mediation, but little progress was made today,” said Teamsters Local 186 Secretary-Treasurer Abel Garcia. “The Teamsters extended the contract by 24 hours in a good-faith effort. The contract will expire at midnight on July 1.”

Garcia said it’s time for MTD to stop pushing for concessions.

“If employees at MTD go on strike, it’s because management put them on strike by proposing minimal raises, pennies into the pension, higher out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and takeaway after takeaway,” he said. “That includes taking away time-and-a-half pay for working on scheduled days off. Seventy percent of employees can’t afford to live in Santa Barbara, so they commute. That extra pay helps cover gas to get to work.”

Union representatives negotiated the extension with MTD and a state-appointed mediator around dinnertime on Monday. Talks are scheduled to resume Tuesday morning.

An MTD spokesperson declined an on-camera interview but noted that the starting wage for bus operators is $26.83 an hour—more than $55,000 annually for full-time employees.

Some riders expressed support for the drivers.

“I work downtown and make about $24 an hour part-time. That’s already tight. I can’t imagine trying to make it work on a bus driver’s salary,” said rider Akase Enun.

Ajani Tyehimba added, “I would still support a strike, even if it means I can’t take the bus for a day.”

Before the extension was finalized, Garcia posted on social media, saying the union had been bargaining in good faith “with nothing to show for it.” He said a potential work stoppage would affect 160 employees and bus routes throughout Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.

“You’ve been playing games,” Garcia said of MTD. “Now in the 12th hour, you want to bargain in good faith and ask for an extension?”

Riders are worried about the potential impact.

“It really helps when you need to get from point A to point B, and it would kind of suck if they went on strike,” said rider Chase Carson.

Both sides hope to reach a compromise before the July Fourth holiday.

MTD has warned that the agency is facing a “financial cliff” due to expiring COVID relief funding. It’s unclear whether the Teamsters union is accepting that explanation.

Meanwhile, students visiting from Switzerland say they rely on the bus system to explore the city over the summer.

“Santa Barbara is almost as big as Switzerland, and it’s hard without the bus,” said Fionn Zuend.

Ramon Knechtle added, “I like giving the ticket to the driver at the front. I think the buses are pretty clean inside.”

Governor Gavin Newsom is aware of the situation and has sent a letter requesting intervention to avoid a strike.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Even though another election won’t be held until 2026, Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse is ready to run for the seat and a another term.

Without making a formal announcement, Rowse has been answering questions about his future.

He says there are still many goals he would like to accomplish for the city.

Rowse looks at the Mayor’s job as service over politics.

“There’s a long ways to go. There has been progress but it’s been incremental. I am not as patient as I should be on some things but I think we are moving in the right direction,” said Rowse. He credits some changes in the city’s leadership including Administrator Kelly McAdoo saying it “has really changed the pace of things.”

Rowse previously served as a councilmember.

For more than 30 years, he also ran a popular restaurant and served on many downtown committees.

He is also the chair of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments.

No other candidate has announced for the office.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The Santa Maria Airport made a big announcement this morning.

The airport is launching a new service that’s been years in the making.

They’re proud to announce a collaboration with a leading airline to launch twice-daily flights to phoenix sky harbor, starting October 15th.

A new route from the Santa Maria Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor—a hub in the southwest—opens up more pathways for flights from Santa Maria to the east coast and beyond.

This service will be available on a daily basis once it gets going in mid-October.

“While I was running for this position about four years ago, the number one ask the community had was consistent air service,” says Ignacio “Nash” Moreno, board president at the Santa Maria Public Airport. “So this is the fulfillment.”

Instead of just twice-weekly flights to Las Vegas, multiple local agencies have worked together to make this happen, including airport staff, Chamber of Commerce, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and business leaders.

“Phoenix is a major hub,” says Moreno. “You can access just about the entire world through there, including flights to Mexico, flights to the East coast Canada, etc.”

Hub service was in the works back in 2019. But like so many other things, the program was put into a holding pattern during the COVID 19 pandemic.

“There will be greater business opportunities,” says Dane Drefke, director of launch operations at Firefly Aerospace. “And of course, competition is always a good thing. So having the Santa Maria Airport now be a competitive force in the region will help drive down costs for everyone, and that can only help grow business.”

Firefly Aerospace is one business that can take advantage of the Santa Maria-Phoenix connection. 

They send employees to the central coast for launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

“Every single launch we bring out 40 or 50 people and they stay here two or three weeks,” says Drefke. “We send people back and forth. We have customers that come to support as well.”

The new flights to Phoenix are through American Airlines.

Airport personnel are encouraging local residents to ‘fly local’ for the holidays this year.

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The bells of Old Mission Santa Barbara rang out Sunday morning to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1925 earthquake that devastated the city and killed at least 11 people.

A multi-faith ceremony brought together religious leaders, city officials and community members to honor the lives lost and reflect on the disaster that reshaped Santa Barbara’s architecture and identity.

“On behalf of Mayor Randy Rouse, by virtue of the authority vested in me, I do hereby proclaim June 29, 2025, as the Great Quake Remembrance Day in Santa Barbara,” said City Councilmember Kristen Sneddon during the ceremony.

The interfaith gathering also included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring the victims. The plaque is set to be installed downtown.

The earthquake, estimated at magnitude 6.2, struck just after 6 a.m. on June 29, 1925, collapsing buildings throughout downtown and damaging landmarks including the Old Mission and the original county courthouse.

Local historian Neal Graffy, a key voice in the centennial commemoration, has spent years researching the disaster’s death toll — which has long been the subject of conflicting reports.

“Most sources say 13 people died in the quake, but that’s not quite accurate,” Graffy said. “One death was from 1812, 11 were from the 1925 earthquake, and one was a child killed in a 1926 aftershock on the same date. So there are 13 deaths tied to earthquakes, but only 11 from the 1925 event.”

Graffy said he started with a list of nearly 60 names and narrowed it down by checking funeral home records, coroner inquests, immigration documents and World War I draft registrations. He also wrote obituaries for each of the victims and helped install headstones for four previously unmarked graves.

The destruction in 1925 was widespread. The front towers of the Old Mission collapsed during Mass, and two people were killed when the San Marcos Building at State and Anapamu streets crumbled.

“The electricity and gas had all been turned off,” said Rick Closson, a member of the EQ25 centennial steering committee. “People had to do things for themselves and each other. It was a huge community outpouring.”

The original courthouse was so badly damaged it had to be torn down. Architect Brian Cearnal said the current Santa Barbara County Courthouse, completed in 1929, stands as a monument to the city’s rebirth.

“It’s not your typical courthouse,” Graffy said. “It’s a mansion for the people. Beautiful, flowing, well-designed — it’s unlike anything else.”

The rebuilding effort that followed the quake led to the adoption of the Spanish Colonial Revival style, now synonymous with Santa Barbara.

“This is what gave Santa Barbara its look,” Graffy said. “If the earthquake hadn’t happened, the city would look very different today.”

Events commemorating the centennial have taken place throughout the month of June, including public lectures, walking tours and a community festival on State Street.

Organizers say they hope the 100th anniversary inspires not just remembrance, but renewed awareness of the importance of disaster preparedness — and the strength of community in times of crisis.

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Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif-Grey Law of Ventura County, which provides free legal advice to seniors, is mourning a longtime volunteer.

Attorney Deborah Sutherland-Hocamp dedicated her legal career to helping older people.

She once commented on actor Mickey Rooney’s elder abuse case by telling Ventura County Star reporter Colleen Cason that getting the elderly to report abuse is complicated because abusers are almost always in their circle of trust.

Sutherland-Hocamp also spoke to local high schools about her career path.

She died this month from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.

Sutherland-Hocamp was 75 year old.

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