Author: KEYT

John Palminteri

SUMMERLAND, Calif. (KEYT) – The November and December rains, stronger than most forecasters saw coming, have left behind worries on the South Coast.

Before the year can even come to a close, the hills are saturated and the magnitude of the rains have filled and spilled three reservoirs including Cachuma Lake.

Hillsides are soaking in water like a sponge and some are coming close to crumbling.

In Summerland, there’s already been a slide on Greenwell Ave. that has closed the street from Asegra to Ortega Ridge Road. Santa Barbara County Public Works is watching it closely, and advisories have gone out.

Signs that were up recently are now moved to the side of the road. The area is still very mushy along the shoulders and some areas have washed down but cars can get through without an issue.

“I was surprised that the road was actually closed because it often has mudflow across the road but  it has never been enough to close the road altogether,” said a longtime resident Leslie Robinson. “I don’t know of any history of having  a landslide there just mudflow because there is a creek on either side of the road.”

A slide more than six years ago on Ortega Ridge Road was repaired with a uniquely crafted stone wall that is holding in an area where two lanes are safetly open. During the slide and repair project it was one lane with alternating traffic.

In Ventura County, the Sheriff’s Department has alerted residents in the tiny town of La Conchita on the coast about a possible slide. Rainfall totals have matched those that preceded the slides in 1995 and 2005 that took ten lives and crushed homes. The freeway in the same area had flooding impacts last weekend.

Residents in La Conchita were advised to relocate during the last storm. It is unclear if any did.

On both Santa Barbara and Ventura beaches, boats have come ashore. One, a 50-footer in Ventura has been crushed by the TowBoatUS – Ventura crew after it began coming apart on the beach.

A sailboat that broke down or came from its anchorage, was tipping into the shoreline and coastal waves where it plowed into East Beach last week.

San Marcos Pass has held up well, even after taking in 14 inches of rain this month.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Shopping bags are going 100% paper for 10 cents apiece statewide in California on New Years’ Day.

Some consumers say they aren’t very thrilled about it.

The state’s overall goal of getting rid of plastic shopping bags for groceries has taken almost 20 years due to a few legal loopholes.

“I know we aren’t going to order them, which is like the only consequence,” says Jacob Luke, one of the managers at Spencer’s Fresh Markets in Santa Maria. “Like, I don’t know if there’s any laws against the back stock just selling out what we have. Because they have our name and everything on them, which is cool.”

Thin, single-use plastic bags were banned in 2014 and the ban was upheld by voters in 2016, but thick, reusable plastic bags were still allowed, also for 10 cents each in most places.

“I’ve been to other states and the Caribbean,” says Long Mikita, who lives In Nevada & grew up In Santa Maria. “The plastic bags, they don’t charge for them, you know, I kind of like that idea.”

The problem became that most consumers have been using these thicker bags only once and discarding them—leading to even more pollution.

“I reuse them multiple times,” says Mikita. “But I’d rather have the plastic versus the paper.”

In 2024 governor Newsom signed legislation for a full ban on all plastic shopping bags statewide, to begin January 1st, 2026.

“I just don’t think that it was the right decision,” says Mikita.

Some locals say there is a lingering preference for plastic bags.

“Our plastic bags have handles and our paper bags don’t,” says Luke. “So people like, they like to use the plastic bag more because they’re easier to use. But it’s really just half and half.”

Many stores have already made the adjustment to avoid any penalties, and other consumers say they have gotten used to bringing their own shopping bags.

“There’s actually people that are concerned and they’re doing the right thing and they’re using the bags for what they were intended for,” says Mikita. “And then if they’ve got extra they put them in a recycle bin.”

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Patricia Martellotti

MONTECITO, Calif. (KEYT) – A beloved Montecito retreat center is reopening its doors and renewing its role in the community. La Casa de Maria has officially reopened following years of closure caused by the Thomas Fire, devastating mudslides, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reopening marks a new chapter for the historic center, with a renewed mission centered on interfaith connection, reflection, and healing. Leaders say La Casa de Maria will offer programs and retreats open to people of all faith traditions, creating space for dialogue, contemplation, and shared spiritual growth.

Organizers hope the center will once again serve as a hub for unity and purpose, bringing together the Santa Barbara community through inclusive gatherings and reflective programming.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Levi Oakes scored a game-high 23 points and Brent Sharpton added 17 points as host Santa Barbara High School defeated Bishop Diego 65-43 on Day 3 of the Holiday Classic.

The Dons are 3-0 in the tournament and they will finish up on Tuesday with a 3:00 P.M. tip against Oakland Tech.

Bishop Diego was led by freshman Shane Kwizera who scored 16 points and Damien Krautman who added 12 points.

The Cardinals (9-2) were tied with the Dons at 13 after the first quarter but went ice cold in the second quarter scoring just two points on a dunk by Krautman as they trailed 28-15 at halftime.

The Dons had the size and length advantage and they made a concerted effort to attack inside after the first quarter.

Oakes had several driving layups in the third quarter as the Dons opened up a 52-26 advantage heading into the final eight minutes.

The Dons improved to 7-6 on the season.

Other tournament results:

Oakland Tech 70, San Marcos 59

Dos Pueblos 51, Pinole Valley 47: Pinsker scored 24 pts for the Chargers

Santa Paula 80, Pleasant Grove 58: Alvarez scored 21 pts for the Cardinals

St. Joseph Notre Dame 66, Righetti 51

Oaks Christian 74, Davis Sr. 46: Goodwin scored 16 pts for the Lions

Thousand Oaks 72, Dougherty Valley 64: McCord scored 23 pts for the Lancers

Rio Mesa 68, Stone Ridge Christian 46: Vargas scored 22 pts for the Spartans

Pacifica 74, Lowell 71 (2OT): Jones scored 20 pts for Tritons

Franklin 69, Oak Park 44: Prophete scored 11 pts for Eagles

Whitney 68, San Luis Obispo 47

Granada Hills Charter 68, Ventura 60

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – And just like that, 2026 is nearly here and wine expert Jamie Knee is back with your News Channel to talk all things bubbly.

With her, she brings a variety of sparkling wines and champagne – each one perfect for your New Years celebrations.

From non-alcoholic to high-end, from award-winners to local vineyards – whatever your preference – Jamie Knee has got you covered.

For more about Jamie Knee visit her site, Petite Wine Traveler.

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.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – There’s a new look to one of the blocks in downtown Santa Barbara, and it has nothing to do with a retail or food space.

The old bushy landscaping is gone and in its place, a new, more simple look.

There are now about 200 native plants that have gone into the ground in a collaboration between the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, the non-profit group Friends of State Street, and the city.

The organizations are working with the new downtown Santa Barbara Business Improvement District.

The plantings took place earlier this month between Anapamu Street  and Victoria street.

It is a pilot project to show the public ways landscaping can be integrated into the master plan to improve the overall appearance of the street and specific settings around restaurants and gathering places.

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Impact and Advocacy Program says the plantings include: Orange Monkeyflower, Seaside Daisy, Douglas Iris, and Santa Ana Coral Bells.

With them, signs went up explaining the project and a QR code. With that you can use your phone to get a survey about the project (or click here).

Information from this trial may be used in the city’s master plan in the core of downtown.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the Five Cities Fire Authority regarding free chipping services for residents of Arroyo Grande.

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. – In collaboration with the San Luis Obispo Fire Safe Council, City of Arroyo Grande, and the Five Cities Fire Authority, a free chipping event will be held on January 13th, 2026, for residents that live within the designated Fire Severity Zones. This work is part of an ongoing effort to reduce hazardous fuels and wildfire risk.

Important Dates:

Be Ready by Monday, January 12, 2026

Chipping crews begin Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Crews will work throughout the week. There are no specific appointment times, and you do not need to be home.

Sign Up Here: https://firesafeslo.org/Chipping/

Please Read Carefully:

Your pile must meet the guidelines below and be placed along a roadside that crews and equipment caneasily access.

Piles that do not meet requirements will NOT be chipped and will be left behind.

Crews do not limb trees

Crews do not carry piles to the road

Chipping Guidelines:

Pile Size & Shape

Maximum size: 20 ft long x 4 ft wide x 4 ft high

One linear pile per reservation

No tangled or “beehive” piles — these will be skipped

What’s Allowed

Vegetation only

Branches under 8 inches in diameter

Where to Place your Pile

Within 5 feet of an accessible roadway

Do not block roads, driveways, or hydrants

Pile must be clearly visible and easy to access

Avoid muddy or soft dirt roads

Prep Tips

Stack neatly with cut ends facing the street

Do not bag or tie vegetation

Have your pile ready by 8:00 AM on January 13

No lumber, root balls, palm, yucca, or poison oak

We appreciate your cooperation and participation.

The projects are grant-funded by the San Luis Obispo County Community Fire Safe Council. For further information contact greg@firesafeslo.org

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Close community caring has been driving some specific charitable donations in 2025.

Across the country there have been needs, from the fire relief in Los Angeles County to GoFundMe requests throughout communities in the U.S. for an immediate issue.

Santa Barbara’s charity donations, as with other communities, have been a concern with cuts in personal income or rising inflation costs for many families.  There have also been many non-profits finding their budgets short with federal financial reductions being announced throughout the year.

For the Unity Shoppe, the recent Unity telethon was a windfall of donations reaching $700,000.  

CEO Angela Miller-Bevan has been emotionally appreciative for the contributions.  

“The generosity of our community is the reason thousands of families will not face hunger. Because people showed up, gave boldly, and believed in this mission, Unity Shoppe has the resources to keep our community fed as we move into 2026. This support is more than financial, it is life changing,” she said.

 Miller-Bevan says,  “we’re serving thousands of people more than we did last year and this community came out full force. “

And there are changes on many levels of needs.  She said  “we’re looking for funding but we are also helping more people because of all these federal cuts and so our Lompoc store’s numbers doubled.”

Dillan Scott is a recipient of scholarship funds, and says,  “the money helps but the big thing is the people putting the money in believe in me”     

He  is 19 with a limited income but says “whenever you order from Walmart I try to roundup and give to the Salvation Army .       I am actually a social worker now so I get to see where the dollar goes.”

Chris Bernt favors programs for children or the arts for school kids, including one with the Santa Barbara Symphony..  “They are involved in a lot of education and outreach programs and I like music.  “

Kristine Pacheco-Bernt said she gives to the food Bank of Santa Barbara County and Pug Nation where she picked up her dogs.   In general  she was, “more focused on community especially like neighborhood specific community.”  With that she has seen many fundraisers on the Eastside of Santa Barbara just for that area. “I work with children i am an educator. I see the results almost immediately.”

At the end of the year, many people are putting money into a charity for tax benefits. There is  a new charitable deduction of up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for married couples.

A survey by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows about half of those who donate are done for the year. About 20% have donated and still plan to do a little more before the end of the year.

In their Year in Help report, the cities of Santa Barbara and Ventura made GoFundMe’s “Most Generous Places” List for 2025.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – All-CIF Southern Section Division 1 honors went to several local players in boys water polo.

(Lucas Neushul and DP went 23-7 on the season. Entenza Design).

Dos Pueblos High School juniors Grant Nelson and Lucas Neushul are All-CIF as they helped lead the Chargers to a Channel League regular season title and a D1 semifinal appearance.

San Marcos High School senior Will Stuart is All-CIF D1 and the Royals star signed with Pepperdine.

(Will Stuart was an all-around standout player for the Royals. Entenza Design).

Buena High School senior Jack Pointer is also All-CIF D1 and he will play for the United States Naval Academy.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

High School Boys Basketball: Day 2 of Santa Barbara Holiday Classic

Santa Barbara 75, Dougherty Valley 64: Brent Sharpton 23 pts for Dons

San Marcos 54, Davis Sr. 50: Koji Hefner 25 pts for Royals

Holy Martyrs 56, Dos Pueblos 50: Coulter Jay 12 pts for Chargers

Franklin 74, Santa Paula 65: Alvarez 39 pts for Cardinals

Westmont 56, Agoura 54: Temme 26 pts for Chargers

Rio Mesa 49, St. Joseph Notre Dame 42: Moreno 14 pts for Spartans

Thousand Oaks 68, Lowell 22: Ange 17 pts for Lancers

Ventura 56, San Luis Obispo 50

Pinole Valley 69, San Luis Obispo 62

Whitney 80, Righetti 39

Oak Park 77, Madera 45: Prophete 17 pts for Eagles

Pleasant Grove 73, Torres 21

Pleasant Grove 72, St. Genevieve 60

Schedule for Day 3 on Monday, December 29th

Santa Barbara High School:

10:30 A.M. Pleasant Grove vs Santa Paula

12:00 P.M. Righetti vs St.Joseph Notre Dame

1:30 P.M. Lowell vs Pacifica

3:00 P.M. Franklin vs Oak Park

4:30 P.M. Oaks Christian vs Davis Sr.

6:00 P.M. Dougherty Valley vs Thousand Oaks

7:30 P.M. Santa Barbara vs Bishop Diego

San Marcos High School

1:30 P.M. San Luis Obispo vs Whitney

3:00 P.M. Palmdale vs Torres

4:30 P.M. Kings Christian vs St. Genevieve

6:00 P.M. Stone Ridge Christian vs San Pedro

7:30 P.M. San Marcos vs Oakland Tech

Dos Pueblos High School

12:00 P.M. Rio Mesa vs Stone Ridge Christian

1:30 P.M. Ventura vs Granada Hills

3:00 P.M. Westmont vs Holy Martyrs

4:30 P.M. Madera vs College Park

6:00 P.M. Saratoga vs Agoura

7:30 P.M. Dos Pueblos vs Pinole Valley

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