Author: KEYT

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara Humane returned to your News Channel this morning, this time with the sweetest boy around – meet Chocolate!

The name is all-too fitting for the three-month-old pup. Chief operating officer, Dory Villalon, says the young pup is quiet, affectionate, and eager to learn, and encourages anyone interested in adopting Chocolate – or any puppy – to enroll them in training classes.

“He is ready to get right into puppy manners class, which is what we hope every puppy adopter does so they take advantage of this time when these pups are young to get them well socialized and get started on their training,” Villalon says.

To help remove any stress or obstacles that may be holding back adopters from signing up for training classes, SB Humane now offers intermediate manners classes – on top of their puppy class and basic obedience class.

“We’ve just launched online dog training classes. Which is so cool you maybe don’t have the time to come to campus or there’s transportation concerns, you just wanna train from the comfort of your own home. It’s live Zoom training with a certified trainer you can ask all the questions you need, and your dog actually doesn’t have all the distractions so it can be a really quality time there.”

In a few months SB Humane will be throwing their Wild West Fest! The fundraising event helps support the organization and all those sweet animals they take in, just like Chocolate.

You can learn about SB Humane, their training classes, and the Wild West Fest by clicking here.

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Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – The Lompoc division of Santa Barbara Superior Court was standing room only this morning for a hearing in the murder case against Ashlee Buzzard.

The crowd witnessed what turned out to be a quick procedural hearing.

Many of the seats were filled with family members of the late 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, reporters and media representatives, as well as spectators from the Vandenberg Village neighborhood where she lived with her mother Ashlee.

40-year-old Ashlee Buzzard is accused of shooting and killing Melodee in October, leaving her body on a remote Utah roadside.

Ashlee pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder on December 26th.

“I don’t know what to expect anymore,” says Lilly Denes, Melodee’s paternal grandmother.

Many of the spectators expressed hopes that the court would move quickly on this case.

“But we need to do something about it, fast,” says Denes. “This is taking so long. Her courts are going to go probably over and over. I don’t know. This is the first time we have seen anything like this.”

Judge Stephen Dunkle has maintained the gag order against Santa Barbara County Sheriffs for now.

Buzzard’s next court date is January 21st for a hearing on a defense motion.

Her public defender is Adrian Galvan, but it’s unclear if he will continue to represent her.

“She didn’t want to look at me,” says Denes. “She knew where I was. She went straight. I always been in the front. No, I don’t know. I don’t know. What’s going through your mind that she did what she did.”

Melodee’s paternal grandmother Lilly Denes works with your news channel, and she says Melodee’s entire family—including Ashlee’s mother—is hurting.

“She is hurting,” says Denes. “She sent me a message, ‘God help us,’ she put in my message, and I said yes. So I’m sure she’s hurting the same as I am, but she’s hurting for her daughter. I’m hurting for my grandbaby. My family is huge. And they—every time that you guys interview me, they’re ready. Everybody is involved.”

The family is beginning some preparations to lay Melodee to rest, but no date has been set for any services.

Denes says if anyone does feel inclined to donate to the family, to please make sure they’re donating to the GoFundMe created by Dee Dee Moreno.

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Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – The 8th Annual News Channel 3-11-12 MLK Day of Service Blood Drive will be held later this month in an effort to help boost local supply levels.

The yearly event is held in partnership with Vitalant and is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo.

“Supplies definitely are low,” said Beau Mercurio, Vitalant Account Manager. “Especially now, just because of the weather. We’ve had a lot of blood drives canceled in the community due to the weather and that’s really hurt our numbers and our stock levels for the blood and blood products, so we definitely are in a high need for blood right now. We definitely need all hands on deck for blood donors.”

For the first six years of the event, the blood drive was held in Vitalant blood centers. However, last year the drive moved to the Elks Lodge sites in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo.

Once again this year, the blood drive will take place in the same three Elks Lodge locations.

“They stepped up,” said Mercurio. “It just didn’t make sense anymore in the center because we were growing and it’s really neat that the Elks has stepped up to host this drive. This is open to the public. Anybody and everybody in our community can come out there and donate.”

Vitalant points out that one donation of blood may save up to three lives, highlighting the impact donors have on the community.

“Just keep in mind that every two seconds somebody is needing blood, there is a transfusion happening,” said Mercurio. “One out of seven patients that walks in a hospital is going to need a transfusion. Just one pint of blood can help save three lives. It’s that important you’re saving lives with that blood donation.”

To learn more about the 8th Annual News Channel MLK Day of Service Blood Drive, or to schedule an appointment, click here.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A major washout on the Gaviota coast from recent rains has put the brakes on AMTRAK and Union Pacific trains.

The Amtrak Alerts message to passengers went out Tuesday and reads:

Temporary Track Closure January 6

Due to weather-related track damage, Pacific Surfliner service between Goleta Station and San Luis Obispo station is temporarily suspended. Amtrak Connection buses offer riders an alternative route to Santa Barbara station while Union Pacific repairs the rails and ensures passenger safety. More updates to come.

The area was hit hard with rain Saturday causing mudslides and a full freeway shutdown in the same general area.

A Union Pacific heavy equipment operator on the tracks Tuesday lost control of his machinery in the area of the landslide and failing track site. The driver was not seriously hurt but taken to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara by AMR.

The tracks were immediately closed. Passengers onboard a train were delayed and eventually rerouted back to a station to get on a bus to Santa Barbara.

From there, those going south could continue.

One passenger said in all it was an eight-hour delay for his day.

More information about travel alerts can be found at Amtrak

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

Dos Pueblos 61, Santa Barbara 11: Carly Letendre scored a game-high 16 points while Kindah Ahmad-Reda added 14 points and Penelope Frazer tallied 13 points as the Chargers moved to 3-1 in the Channel League and 9-9 overall.

(DP’s all-time leading scorer Carly Letendre adds 2 more points to her record total. Entenza Design).

Ventura 56, San Marcos 40: Kailee Staniland poured in a game-high 32 points as the Cougars improved to 4-0 in the Channel League and 12-4 overall.

Rio Mesa 52, Buena 28

Thousand Oaks 69, Calabasas 20

Oaks Christian 63, Newbury Park 47

Moorpark 57, Simi Valley 32

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – In a statement sent to your News Channel Tuesday evening, city councilman Eric Friedman has confirmed his intent to run for mayor of Santa Barbara.

Friedman, first elected in 2017, represents the 5th District and is currently in the midst of a five-year term that began in 2021.

In his statement, Friedman says the decision to run for mayor was one he made with his family over the holiday season. As a life-long Democrat, Friedman is seeking endorsement from the local Democratic Party.

“It would be an honor to serve as the next Mayor of Santa Barbara so I can continue to work on my priorities that include balancing the budget, increasing affordable housing opportunities, enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness, and economic revitalization of downtown.”

Prior to serving on city council, Friedman worked for First District County Supervisors Naomi Schwartz and Supervisor Salud Carbajal.

“For the past eight years I have truly enjoyed serving on the Santa Barbara City Council while working as a grocery clerk in a local grocery store,” Friedman’s statement reads. “These two complimentary careers introduced me to countless members of the community and unique perspectives on how the policies of the City affect its residents on a daily basis.”    

This confirmation of mayor candidacy come just months after Friedman suffered a heart attack while paddle boarding back in April.

“The incredible support from residents throughout the City during my recovery meant a great deal to me and my family. This experience made me re-evaluate life and the many blessings that come to all of us daily, especially the opportunity to give back to the community.”

Friedman enters the race against fellow council member Kristen Sneddon, and current mayor Randy Rowse, who have both announced their intent to run in November’s election.

“Having grown up in Santa Barbara, I look forward to starting a new chapter in life through continued public service as Mayor of the wonderful city we call home.”

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – With just a little over a month left until the annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, an impressive trio has just been added to the already star-studded lineup.

On Tuesday, it was announced that actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro will received the Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival this upcoming February.

The trio will be honored for their work in the critically-acclaimed film, One Battle After Another. The project has been one of the most talked about films, even before the start of award season. It is the most nominated Golden Globes contender, earning a staggering nine nominations – including individual nominations for DiCaprio, Penn and Del Toro, and an impressive 14 Critics Choice Awards nominations.

The film festival says the Hammond Cinema Vanguard is reserved for actors “who have forged their own path, taking artistic risks and making a significant and unique contribution to film.”

“This is by far the most exciting tribute in SBIFF history. These three artists individually have regaled us with exemplary and unforgettable performances, and together, they have made one of the best films, ‘One Battle After Another.’ Let’s rejoice,” said SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling.

Movie lovers will recognize the iconic trio from their individual long-time careers. Academy award-winning actor and producer Leonardo DiCaprio has starred in films such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Wolf of Wall Street, Inception, The Great Gatsby, and Django Unchained, The Aviator, The Departed, Gangs of New York, Shutter Island, and Killers of the Flower Moon. 

Sean Penn – notable filmmaker, actor, and author – has been honored in previous film festivals in Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. Known for his work in Mystic River, Milk Dead Man Walking, Sweet and Lowdown, and I Am Sam.

Puerto Rican actor and producer, Benicio Del Toro, has received numerous Academy Awards and nominations throughout his decades-long career. Starring in films such as Sicario and Sicario: Day of the Soldado, 21 Grams, Sin City, Things We Lost in the Fire, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Dicaprio, Penn, and Del Toro will receive the Hammond Cinema Vanguard award on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

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Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors began the new year Tuesday morning by officially appointing a new chairperson for the 2026 term.

At the top of the meeting, District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg, who has held the position of board chair over the past year, gave way to District 4 Supervisor Supervisor Jimmy Paulding.

“Today we had the reorganization of the chairmanship and the vice chair,” said Ortiz-Legg. “This is a transition that we’ve done. It’s a peaceful transition. It’s a rotational amongst all five members. We get to be chairperson at one point in time, and the way that we’ve done it is that we’ve kind of gone down line one, two, three, four or five.”

Next in line for the board chair for 2026 was District 4, meaning Paulding will hold the position for the next year, while District 2 Supervisor Bruce Gibson will become the vice chair.

“I’m grateful for the honor and the privilege of serving as the chair of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors,” said Paulding. “My focus is simple, clear direction, steady leadership, and making sure county government works best for the people we serve.”

Ortiz-Legg explained board chair is much more than a symbolic position and the person who has the seat plays a vital role in the operation of the county government.

“The position of board chair is basically you get to oversee the agenda that the board is discussing every week when we meet,” said Ortiz-Legg. “The board chair runs the meetings, gets to have the privilege of deciding the time allotment for the different subjects. Also, the board chair gets to decide what is actually on the agenda, so if there’s something that they don’t really want to have on the agenda, it doesn’t go on the agenda, so it can be a powerful tool should one decide to use that power.”

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John Palminteri

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. (KEYT) – The largest water source for fishing, camping, and recreation operated by Santa Barbara County Parks is still welcoming visitors, but most boaters are on the sidelines.

Vessel launching and boat rentals are currently on hold.

Private boaters are allowed to launch but there are warnings because of debris and other issues.

Heavy rains have sent the Santa Ynez River flowing from the upper elevations to the Lompoc Valley, and in the middle is Cachuma Lake. It is seeing an inflow of debris and trees that are maritime hazards.

Visitors can see them on the lake and on the shores, including around the boat launch ramp area.

Park rangers have been busy making sure the larger floating logs and trees are cleared and special efforts are in place to capture large areas of floating debris that makes the area dangerous and murky.

The Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is currently monitoring the situation and will reopen all areas when it is safe.

Cachuma Lake Naturalist Parker Medel has also served as a Ranger. “We encourage people to come out and hike and see the current lake level, it is pretty astonishing. If you have been here in the last month lake rise is very cool to see. Saturday natural walks are available.”

In mid December the lake level was 76 percent but with massive amounts of rain water gushing in from all directions it is now coming out at a solid rate from Bradbury dam with a runoff that was shared by a student photographer Chris Pagliaro from San Diego State. He flew a drone overhead to take a look

“The whole spillway was full of water and the river was flowing super hard  and I haven’t every seen that,” he said. Pagliaro is familiar with the area having gone to Dos Pueblos High in Goleta. Even though some of the water is brown and dirty on the lake he said, “but down below the dam it looked pretty clear.”

For those hoping to get out on the water for fishing and a tour of the area… there are some limitations. Medel said, “the lake is open for the private vessel launching. We just advise that boaters and vessel operators be careful. There’s a lot of debris flowing through. “

The park operators want to keep the lake and all the facilities as functional as possible as often as possible but they will watch the weather changes day by day.

Medel said, “but social media currently will be the best way to stay up to date. It could change in a moments notice  so we appreciate the publics patience with us.”

Vince Wood is a Santa Barbara resident who remembers when it wasn’t a lake in the early 50’s, only a ranch. He also recalls hiking and scout outings in the area along with a bridge that is covered with the water now. Looking out he said, “I took a picture of it so I can remember what it looks like when it is full!”

At the Hook’d Bar and Grill waterfront dining has been a big draw and many people have been enjoying the refreshing sight.

Owner Dustin Farnum says, “we closed a couple of days due to you (weather.) You really couldn’t even open the door and it was wild keeping   people from coming on the roads. We are open seven days a week rain or shine.” He says the design was for a lodge feeling for those coming in to eat, hear music or have a drink.

The restaurant had customers inside and outside facing the lake on Tuesday under sunny skies with puffy clouds. It was a big change from the aggressive storms recently.

 When things calm down boaters will return, those who love fishing will be back out, kayakers will launch, the lake tours will resume and the campground will fill up.

For day use, the park is open at 6 a.m. until sunset. Camping facilities are also open with about 500 sites.

Cachuma also has extensive outdoor recreation and overnight locations including yurts, cabins and RV/tent sites. While lake is closed there’s still hiking, disc golf, and wildlife viewing including many migrating birds. Medel says there are many eagles in the area this time of year.

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