Author: KEYT

Caleb Nguyen

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. – Arroyo Grande Police arrested a 33-year-old Arroyo Grande man on a felony charge for sexual penetration with a foreign object just before 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 4.

The 33-year-old was taken into custody at his business, SLO Massage Therapy, after a thorough investigation into a sexual assault allegation, according to the AGPD.

AGPD officers also served a search warrant at the Arroyo Grande man’s business for evidence related to the investigation.

The 33-year-old was booked into the SLO County Jail for the felony charge and his bail is set at $100,000, according to the AGPD.

The Arroyo Grande man has served as a massage therapist for the past 14 years in the Five Cities area and the AGPD believes there could be more victims.

Those with more information or potential victims are encouraged to call the AGPD Investigations Bureau.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A new pedestrian signal has been installed in Santa Barbara on Las Positas Road at Stanley Drive where the area has earned a dangerous reputation over the years.

Speeding drivers, crashes and many stories of near misses are known in the area.

The new full-sized light system is much more than just a blinking alert light you might see elsewhere.

It has a combination of several yellow and red lights. Sometimes they will be flashing and sometimes they will be solid lights.

Drivers will need to pay attention to either prepare to stop or come to a full stop depending on the lights. The area has also been restriped to slow the traffic pace down.

This is located between Adams school and State Street, across from the Municipal golf course.

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Caleb Nguyen

BUELLTON, Calif. – A driver died after a solo car crash on August 29 near Buellton, according to an investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

CHP officers responded to a single-car crash on Santa Rosa Road on August 29 and received assistance from the Santa Barbara Fire Department and the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.

The driver travelled west, left on the south road edge and crashed into a tree east of milepost marker 10 in a Nissan Quest, according to the CHP.

The driver had fatal injuries from the crash as the only person in the car and their identity is being referred to the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office until all proper notifications are made, according to the CHP.

It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash though the investigation remains ongoing, according to the CHP.

Those with any additional information on the incident should contact the Buellton CHP.

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Beth Farnsworth

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you love interesting tidbits, there’s a new book to add to your list: a go-to guide on architectural gems throughout Santa Barbara.

The American Riviera is known for its red roofs and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture but many people may not realize that there are 34 other distinct designs across the city; that includes a log cabin. There’s only one and it was built back in 1889.

The private residence on De La Vina Street is a point of interest among a treasure trove of information you’ll find in Robert Ooley’s newly published book, “A guide to Santa Barbara Architecture and Points of Interest.”

Robert Ooley, FAIA

“There are hiking guides, guides to the historic district and there are guides to places to eat but there’s no architecture and points of interest guide for the entire city,” said Robert Ooley, FAIA. “This covers every single neighborhood from one end to the next.”

Ooley served as County Architect for Santa Barbara and holds the prestigious title as Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

The Red Piano hosted the launch of Ooley’s new book Thursday evening.

You’ll find “A guide to Santa Barbara Architecture and Points of Interest” on shelves at the The Book Den, Chaucers and Tecolote Book Shop.

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Below is a press release from the City of Santa Barbara regarding its new Human Resources Director, Michael Arnoldus

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The City of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Arnoldus as its new Human Resources Director. Arnoldus brings more than two decades of public sector HR leadership to the role and will officially begin his tenure on September 22, 2025.

Arnoldus most recently served as Human Resources Manager for the City of Santa Monica, where he led strategic initiatives in recruitment, organizational design, and employee benefits. Prior to that, he spent 12 years as Director of Employment Services for the Ventura County Community College District, overseeing comprehensive HR operations and workforce programs. He has also held previous human resources roles with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles.

“Michael’s deep experience in public sector human resources, combined with his collaborative leadership style, makes him an excellent fit for Santa Barbara,” said City Administrator Kelly McAdoo. “We’re excited to welcome him to our executive team and his strategic mindset and commitment to service excellence will help us continue to grow as an employer of choice.”

Arnoldus holds a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Cooperative Organization for the Development of Employee Selection Procedures from 2008 to 2020, including terms as President and Vice President.

“It is an honor to serve as Human Resources Director for the City of Santa Barbara, and I look forward to collaborating with City leadership, employees, and labor partners to continue building a strong and resilient workforce that serves our community with excellence,” said Arnoldus.

As Human Resources Director, Arnoldus will oversee the City’s HR programs, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, training and development, and benefits administration. He will also serve as a key member of the City’s executive management team, helping to align workforce strategy with organizational goals.

For more information about the City of Santa Barbara Human Resources Department and employment opportunities, visit Human Resources (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/HR).

Traducción al Español:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara se complace en anunciar el nombramiento de Michael Arnoldus como su nuevo director de Recursos Humanos (Human Resources Director). Arnoldus aporta más de dos décadas de experiencia en liderazgo de recursos humanos en el sector público y asumirá oficialmente sus funciones el 22 de septiembre de 2025.

Más recientemente, Arnoldus se desempeñó como gerente de Recursos Humanos de la Ciudad de Santa Mónica, donde lideró iniciativas estratégicas en reclutamiento, diseño organizacional y beneficios para empleados. Antes de ello, trabajó durante 12 años como director de Servicios de Empleo del Distrito de Colegios Comunitarios del Condado de Ventura, supervisando operaciones integrales de recursos humanos y programas de desarrollo laboral. También ocupó cargos previos en recursos humanos en el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles y en la Ciudad de Los Ángeles.

“La amplia experiencia de Michael en recursos humanos del sector público, junto con su estilo de liderazgo colaborativo, lo convierten en una excelente incorporación para Santa Bárbara”, expresó Kelly McAdoo, administradora municipal (City Administrator). “Estamos muy entusiasmados de darle la bienvenida a nuestro equipo ejecutivo; su visión estratégica y compromiso con la excelencia en el servicio nos permitirán seguir creciendo como un empleador preferido.”

Arnoldus cuenta con una maestría en psicología industrial y organizacional de la Universidad Estatal de California en Long Beach, así como una licenciatura en psicología de la Universidad Estatal de California en Fullerton. Además, formó parte de la Junta Directiva de la Organización Cooperativa para el Desarrollo de Procedimientos de Selección de Empleados de 2008 a 2020, donde ejerció como presidente y vicepresidente.

“Es un honor desempeñarme como director de Recursos Humanos de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara, y espero con entusiasmo colaborar con el liderazgo municipal, el personal y los socios sindicales para seguir fortaleciendo una fuerza laboral sólida y resiliente que sirva a nuestra comunidad con excelencia”, señaló Arnoldus.

Como director de Recursos Humanos, Arnoldus supervisará los programas de recursos humanos de la Ciudad, incluyendo reclutamiento y selección, clasificación y compensación, relaciones laborales y con los empleados, capacitación y desarrollo, así como la administración de beneficios. También formará parte esencial del equipo ejecutivo de la Ciudad, contribuyendo a alinear la estrategia laboral con los objetivos organizacionales.

Para más información sobre el Departamento de Recursos Humanos de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara y oportunidades de empleo, visite Recursos Humanos (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/HR).

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Below is a press release from California State Parks Foundation urging California residents to be on the look out for Monarch Butterflies

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – As California Biodiversity Day approaches, California State Parks Foundation is asking the public to help observe and report sightings of western monarch butterflies. California Biodiversity Day is celebrated from September 6th to 14th. The data from these observations will help scientists understand where these butterflies are at different times of the year and will also help inform the upcoming 29th annual Western Monarch Count.  

Millions of western monarchs used to return to coastal California every year, but the population has plummeted in recent decades. Numerous factors have contributed to this decline, including climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and disease. The 28th annual Western Monarch Count found a peak population of 9,119 monarchs, the second-lowest overwintering population ever recorded since tracking began in 1997. A Species Status Assessment predicts a greater than 95% chance of extinction for western monarchs by 2080.

“The western monarch butterfly is an iconic species for our state,” said Randy Widera, Director of Programs for California State Parks Foundation. “Californians have a key role to play in the preservation of this species, from helping scientists track where the butterflies are located to advocating for the protection of their habitat. We’re encouraging Californians to get involved by taking a few easy steps to report monarch butterfly sightings.”

As California Biodiversity Day is celebrated from September 6th to September 14th, Californians who want to participate in the process of observing and reporting monarch butterfly sightings can do so with the following steps:

Download the free iNaturalist app and start an account. 

Snap a photo of a monarch butterfly or caterpillar. 

Upload an observation to iNaturalist. 

California’s state parks provide critical habitat for western monarch butterflies. Last year, California State Parks Foundation released an analysis of 26 years of data on the western monarch butterfly population, showing that a significant number of those counted are found in California state parks. In 2024-2025, Lighthouse Field State Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, and Pismo State Beach were among the top overwintering sites for western monarchs. 

Overwintering is a vital phase in a western monarch butterfly’s life cycle, offering rest and energy conservation before spring mating and northward migration. Overwintering groves provide the specific microclimate the western monarchs need to survive, including protection from the wind and cold, dappled sunlight, and ample nectar sources. Overwintering groves are located in many of California’s state parks, including Natural Bridges State Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach, New Brighton State Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Andrew Molera State Park, Morro Bay State Park, Montaña de Oro State Park, Pismo State Beach, Gaviota State Park, Point Mugu State Park, Leo Carrillo State Park, Doheny State Beach, San Clemente State Park, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

California State Parks Foundation has helped lead the development of overwintering grove management plans at several state parks. The organization has also funded restoration projects and helped organize volunteer events where participants support the monarch butterfly population through activities like planting native nectar plants. It is also advocating for western monarch butterflies to be listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Californians interested in supporting this effort can sign a petition at http://www.calparks.org/monarchthreat. 

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, and top officials in Santa Barbara county have some important insights.

The county of Santa Barbara runs a month-long campaign each year for disaster preparedness, with a specific theme for each week of the month.

Preparedness comes in several forms, and they include having your emergency go-bags ready, being informed – which can be done through Readysbc.org, and following your local news reports during large-scale disasters.

“While your government is here to serve you, the reality is we need people to do their part,” says Roy Dugger, Emergency Services Specialist for the City of Santa Maria. “Your safety is fundamentally your responsibility.”

The slogan for disaster preparedness month is “preparedness starts with you,” and officials say small efforts ahead of time can have big impacts during real emergencies.

“Each of those small steps, I know it’s hard to know if you see that big emergency list, what you should have,” says Kelly Hubbard, director at the Office of Emergency Management for the County of Santa Barbara. “It’s hard to look at that or look at all the steps we talk about. So taking those small little ones can just make a big difference when there is a disaster.”

Emergencies can range from large-scale fires, earthquakes, floods, high surf, or loss of power, to individual ordeals, such as being injured or not having enough water while out on a hike.

“Hiking trail rescues might be considered as a disaster for that individual because they’ve gotten themselves into a position that they’re they weren’t planning for,” says Scott Safechuck, Santa Barbara County Fire Department captain and public information officer. “Having proper planning really reduces your chance of exposure to a medical emergency.”

A plethora of resources are available at Readysbc.org.

Those resources include sign-ups for emergency notifications, educational materials, and real-time maps during the progression of any kind of disaster.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Thousands of families in Santa Barbara County are struggling with bills they can’t cover.

“People are already finding it challenging to keep up with housing stability … and then unexpected events happen … a medical issue … an accident … which puts them further behind,” said program manager Raquel Sanchez of United Way of Santa Barbara County.

United Way is stepping in along with several new partners.

“So we’ve been onboarding new case management partners … the work is growing and we have an engaged network that is ready to partner with us and support us,” said manager of marketing and strategic development Marina Hudgens of United Way of Santa Barbara.

Requests for assistance have surged in recent months as more households face financial challenges.

“This is a really unique partnership with cross sector agencies … people in housing assistance … people in domestic violence solutions … people who are serving a variety of needs in the community,” said Hudgens.

The United Way team hopes this expansion will reach more families in need throughout the community.

“We’re gonna be able to get a lot of interesting data on what our community really needs … and where those service gaps are … that we can then address as a collaborative,” said Hudgens.

Fifteen local service agencies have now joined the program, including CommuniCare, Carpinteria Children’s Project, New Beginnings, and City Net, to extend help across the county.

“My hope is we continue to find support either from county programs or a donor dollar to continue to fill this need,” said Sanchez.

United Way leaders believe the effort is creating more than stability — it’s fostering lasting resilience in our community.United Way’s Resiliency Grants program is growing in Santa Barbara County, aiming to reach more families facing urgent financial challenges.

The program underscores a collaborative approach among local agencies to tackle rising financial pressures and ensure families have access to immediate help.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Hikers wanting to get to Inspiration Point above Santa Barbara will have to take a detour for the next four months while an environmental clean up takes place.

The Stream Restoration Project by Southern California Edison is connected to the work that was done last year, and has now begun its second phase.

Edison caused damage in a creek area in 2019.  

Work was first done in July 2024 and was complete on November 9, 2024.

For hikers the alternative route to Inspiration Point is going to be via the Jesusita trail in San Roque or Rattlesnake Canyon.

Work planned during Phase 2 includes:

Removal of rocks and debris from stream bed and banks.

Reconstruction and revegetation of stream habitats.

Monitoring of restoration efforts. 

Hiker Hannah Huang said,   “I’m kind of sad that they’re closing this trail for the rest of the summer, but I’m also glad that they’re finally, you know, cleaning up their mistake and taking the steps to fix it.”

For regulars walking the area on Thursday many said this closure caught them by surprise.

Brenton Hampton said, ” I literally during the spring I think I did this once a week. 

I’m like this all the time. Like literally came up here once a week “

Someone new to the area, Sophia Pinto, will see it now and come back in January. “This is my first time doing this hike and my roommates are taking me today. So I was really excited.”

Already thinking of alternative routes, Jace Philip said, “We can go around, but, Yeah. It’s just so unfortunate.  I mean, maybe I’ll start going up to Ojai more or towards Gaviota.”

A few minutes later on the trail, Annie Li said, “I’m definitely going to try and get out more and explore more of the trails.” 

There were many local college students, some new to the area, on the trail. Grace Hajduk said, “It’s just so sad. This is our favorite hike.”

The project went through an extensive review by the Santa Barbara County Parks Department and County Planners.

To see a detailed map go to : sce.com/MissionCanyon or call the Mission Canyon SCE Information Line at 805-654-7223.

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – After being mentored by guards Ajay Mitchell(Oklahoma City Thunder) and Stephan Swenson, now it’s time for junior guard Jason Fontenet II to lead the way for the younger UCSB players.

“It’s my job now to lead these other guys, these freshman and let them know how we do stuff here,” said Fontenet.

No one in the current Gauchos program has played as many games or minutes for UCSB than the 6’6 guard.

He averaged 9.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last year.

“Whatever the team needs you know I want to be an all-around player, two-way player, a guard that can rebound and can push the ball, make plays for others so anything to win,” said Fontenet.

UCSB head coach Joe Pasternack has always been high on Fontenet since recruiting him out of Phoenix, Arizona and the guard has appreciated his time with UCSB and coach.

“I have been here three years and my relationship is great with him,” began Fontenet. “He holds me to a high standard, he doesn’t let anything go by, even the little things because that’s what makes great players and makes a great team.”

The Gauchos have been practicing for eight weeks this summer before a short break and then it’s right back at it when the new school year begins in a few weeks.

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