Author: KEYT

Jarrod Zinn

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. – Central Coast bookworms will need to make a small adjustment starting next month.

But luckily, it’s only a matter of going next door.

The Arroyo Grande Library is in need of major renovations.

San Luis Obispo county’s largest library will temporarily close for critical infrastructure updates.

“We have a really strong readership at the Arroyo Grande Library,” says Erica Thatcher with County of SLO Public Libraries. “That library lends more books than any of the other libraries in our library system.”

A state grant is making these essential safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements possible.

They’re deemed “critical” for ongoing operations.

“We received a $1.6 million grant,” says Thatcher. “The California State Library has an initiative called the Building Forward Grant, and they are funding projects all over the state of California to bring libraries up to date.”

The state has a list of 278 libraries benefiting from this infrastructure grant, including this location.

“They’re committed to making sure that our buildings are keeping up with all of the things that are happening in today’s world,” says Thatcher.

The library will be receiving upgrades for fire suppression, ADA compliant restrooms, a new HVAC system, security features, and more.

“The project includes the HVAC and the ADA compliance, but it also includes a kind of reimagining of the children’s area,” says Thatcher. “So that’s probably the biggest part of the project that isn’t just updates. We don’t know exactly when the project will be completed and we’ll know more when we get underway and the project progresses.”

The library will close on July 16th.

A temporary exchange location will be set up right next door at the Chamber of Commerce building to return library items and to pick up anything on hold.

During the closure, residents of south San Luis Obispo county are welcome to visit other county libraries in Nipomo, Oceano, and Shell Beach.

Learn more about the closure on the Arroyo Grande Library’s website.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – As of Tuesday morning, Some areas along the Central and South Coast have had their power shutoff warnings extended due to continued fire risk conditions, now expected to last through June 20 or 21. A current map on SoCal Edison’s website shows areas in black where power is already shut off, and orange zones under consideration for future shutoffs. One of the affected high-risk areas is San Marcos Pass, where many residents remain without power. Edison crews are actively stationed in neighborhoods, providing emergency kits and resources.

(ORIGINAL POST) The potential for weather conditions strong enough to bring down power lines into dry brush has residents on alert. Warnings were issued earlier this week by Southern California Edison, and some areas have already experienced power shutoffs.

Edison’s proactive steps include alerts for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) areas, which are designated on a map posted online. The map shows neighborhoods where power could be cut and areas where it already has been.

Currently, some of the impacted areas include the western Gaviota Coast and lower San Marcos Pass.

Warnings have also been issued in locations not typically on the power alert list, including parts of Santa Barbara’s Westside, Lower Eastside, Upper State Street, and areas near Hendry’s Beach outside Hope Ranch.

So far, the weather through Tuesday morning in the warning zones has not brought region-wide high winds. A shifting weather pattern is bringing above-normal heat early in the week, followed by cooler but still pleasant temperatures later in the week.

Even without extreme heat, a strong wind gust and a broken, energized power line could ignite a wildfire. The Central Coast has already seen several small fire starts in recent weeks, although not all causes have been identified.

Edison has set up two community support locations — at the Louise Lowry Davis Center in Santa Barbara and the Residence Inn in the Goleta Valley — where residents can access emergency assistance. Available items include phone charging stations, solar lights, and basic emergency supplies.

Andrea Carnaghe, a local resident, held up a supply bag and said, “It has hand sanitizer and towelettes, things like that.” She also showed the solar-powered light included in the kit: “So in case of an emergency when the power goes out, you have a solar-powered light.”

In the upper Goleta Valley, some residents are more prepared. One homeowner, Steven Kreiner, has solar panels and Tesla batteries. “I have neighbors who can come over and stay nice and cool with our AC running,” he said.

Kreiner said they know when power has been shut off in their neighborhood off upper Patterson Avenue: “We know when it’s nighttime and only our lights are on, or from the notifications we get from the Office of Santa Barbara County.”

Homeowners in the area are collaborating to improve wildfire resiliency and are working toward becoming a Firewise Community, which could potentially reduce insurance costs.

Kreiner added, “The downside of not doing rolling outages is that the repair time — with people being down without notice — is much worse, especially if there’s a fire. Crews get overtaxed, and resources become stretched.”

Some areas, including the Painted Cave community, have been without power for more than 30 hours.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Rep. Salud Carbajal and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra joined local health leaders Monday to warn that a Republican-backed budget bill in Congress could lead to sweeping cuts in Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal in California.

The roundtable discussion at CenCal Health comes as Congress considers the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which GOP leaders say will curb federal spending. Critics, including Carbajal and Becerra, argue it could have devastating impacts on health care access nationwide.

“You take a trillion dollars out of hospitals and from doctors throughout this country — there will be consequences,” Becerra said.

The bill, endorsed by former President Donald Trump and GOP congressional leadership, includes provisions that would reduce Medicaid funding by an estimated $792 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The legislation would also impose stricter eligibility rules and expand work requirements for recipients.

Although Trump has publicly said he does not support cutting Medicaid, and GOP leaders claim the bill targets “waste, fraud and abuse,” nonpartisan analysts warn that the proposed changes would leave between 8 million and 10.9 million Americans uninsured.

CenCal Health CEO Marina Owen said the changes would disproportionately affect low-income residents in Santa Barbara County who rely on preventive care.

“People who lose access to health care will skip preventive care, which affects the overall health of our community,” Owen said.

Dr. Rene Bravo, representing the California Medical Association, said political rhetoric around the bill may discourage immigrants from seeking care.

“Don’t miss your appointments. Go to the doctor. Do not succumb to fear. We will do everything we can to protect you,” said Bravo, a pediatrician who expressed particular concern for children.

Carbajal, a Democrat who represents California’s 24th Congressional District, said veterans would also be impacted by Medicaid restrictions.

“This legislation means taking away their health care,” Carbajal said. “That’s why we’re here — to inform the community so they can voice their concerns.”

Jenna Tosh, CEO of Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, said the bill includes a provision that would defund Planned Parenthood from the Medicaid program.

Vanessa Kaelyn Acain of Access Support Network said people with disabilities could face “heartbreaking choices,” including going without caregivers, rationing medications or ending up in institutions.

Senate Republicans, led by Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo of Idaho, are seeking deeper reductions than their House counterparts, including tighter caps on state provider taxes and more aggressive cost-sharing requirements. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri has broken with GOP leadership, calling any cuts to Medicaid a “red line.”

Despite internal divisions, the bill continues to advance through Congress. Carbajal urged constituents to contact their representatives and speak out against the proposed cuts.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Budget cuts have forced Food Bank of Santa Barbara County to cancel its popular “Picnic in the Park” summertime meal distribution program.

For more than 10 years, Food Bank has held the program during the summer at about a dozen park sites throughout Santa Barbara County.

The program offers children ages 18-and-under a free meal at selected parks each weekday to help ensure that every child in the county receives a lunchtime meal while school is out for the summer.

According to Food Bank, about 1,500 kids annually take advantage of the free meal distribution, but those in need will have to find alternatives this year.

“Today is the first day of summer and summer break,” said Laurel Alcantar, Food Bank of Santa Barbara County Marketing Director. “Normally the Food bank would be hosting our first day of Picnic in the Park today, but this year, we’ve really had to look at streamlining our operations in areas where we can have the greatest impact. With government cuts in food supply over $4 million, we’ve had to take a hard look, so we’ve cut that program this year.”

For those families looking for an alternative, Food Bank is now referring them towards meal distributions being provided by county school districts.

“We are asking families who might be in need of help or organizations who are directing families to help, to go ahead and look at our food distributions on our website and connect with their local school district,” said Alcantar. “Many of our school districts have multiple lunch sites where they’re serving meals for kids and we have quite a few distribution sites throughout the week, so there’s something available for all of the families who might need help.”

In Santa Maria, Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD) is launching its Summer Meal Program on Monday.

Over the next two months, the district will provide a free breakfast and lunch at various sites to kids who are age 1-to-18-years-old.

Distributions sites for SMBSD include the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, Arellanes Elementary School, Fesler Junior High School, Jimenez Elementary School and Santa Maria Foursquare Church.

SMBSD will distribute breakfast meals from 9 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Other districts also providing free meals for children during the summer includes Santa Barbara Unified School District, Lompoc Unified School District, Goleta Union School District, Buellton Union School District, Blochman Union School District, as well as the United Boys and Girls Club of Greater Santa Barbara County.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — From worsening wildfires to eroding coastlines and crop losses, changing climate patterns are reshaping life along the Central and Southern California coast. Experts say the effects could intensify as the region transitions into a La Niña phase later this year.

Currently, the region is experiencing a neutral climate pattern—a transitional period between El Niño and La Niña. “Think of this neutral phase as a climate reset or a transition period,” Chief Meteorologist Mackenzie Lake explained, noting that the last El Niño brought wetter conditions to California, fueling storms and floods. That wet season, however, is likely to give way to a drier, more fire-prone La Niña by late summer.

A La Niña pattern often brings stronger winds that push warm ocean water westward, allowing cooler water to rise to the surface. This typically results in drier weather across Southern California, increasing the risk of wildfires.

“We’re starting to see that seasonal shift toward drier vegetation and some smaller fires already,” said Robbie Munroe, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “That’s a signal we’re in fire season, and things will likely get worse from here.”

So far in 2025, more than 57,000 acres have burned across Southern California, including the Kenneth Fire in Ventura County, which scorched over 1,000 acres in January amid intense Santa Ana winds.

Santa Ana winds—hot, dry gusts that blow from inland deserts toward the coast—can rapidly escalate wildfires. Similar threats exist in Santa Barbara County, where sundowner winds blow from the northwest down mountain slopes and are notorious for driving fast-moving fires.

In response, fire agencies are urging residents to prepare early by creating go-bags and clearing vegetation around their homes.

While shifting climate phases bring risks, they also create opportunities—especially for surfers. First Alert Forecaster Shawn Quien says ocean temperatures in the eastern Pacific are holding steady as we move into a neutral climate phase, helping to fuel more consistent summer surf. Looking ahead, forecasters expect the winter storm track to dip farther south than it did during last year’s La Niña, when storms stayed to the north and surf conditions suffered. This potential shift could bring bigger and more reliable waves to California’s coast during the peak winter months.

The impacts of the recent El Niño season are still being felt. More than 50 atmospheric rivers pummeled the state, triggering landslides, flooding, and severe coastal erosion. One of the hardest-hit areas was Isla Vista, where rising sea levels and powerful waves continue to eat away at the oceanfront cliffs. “Rising sea levels mean those waves are going to hit farther inland and with more energy over time,” said Charles Lester, director of UC Santa Barbara’s Ocean and Coastal Policy Center. Along Del Playa Drive, erosion has already caused balconies to collapse into the ocean, threatening homes built dangerously close to the edge.

Meanwhile, hurricane season, which officially began May 15, presents another set of risks. While tropical systems like Hurricane Barbara and Tropical Storm Dalia aren’t expected to make landfall in California, they can still send powerful ocean swells and dangerous rip currents toward the coast. Just last year, Hurricane Hilary brought record-setting rainfall and hazardous surf to Southern California.

In Santa Barbara County’s agricultural sector, farmers are bracing for more instability. Strawberry growers—including Sunlife Farms in Santa Maria—are still recovering from last year’s severe storms, which caused more than $56 million in crop losses countywide. Flooding not only destroyed fields but also introduced bacterial contamination, forcing growers to discard large portions of their harvest.

La Niña’s potential to bring extended heat waves poses additional challenges, as excessive heat can cause strawberries to overripen before they can be harvested. Santa Maria’s strawberry season typically runs from April to November, with late-summer heat threatening both yield and quality.

Further north in San Luis Obispo County, wine grapes have overtaken strawberries as the region’s top crop. The latest crop report shows grapes generating more than $300 million in value.

Still, winemakers like Mikee Mott at DAOU Vineyards are watching climate shifts closely. Variations in temperature and weather patterns can significantly affect the flavor profile and quality of their wines.

With wildfires, agriculture, coastal erosion, and hurricane impacts all tied to shifting climate patterns, local experts say communities must adapt quickly—and stay informed.

Fire alerts, surf advisories, and severe weather warnings are available through the First Alert Weather app and local forecasting platforms.

Click here to follow the original article.

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Unified School District has just been awarded over $4.5 million in California Community Schools Partnership Grants.

The grants will provide funding over the next five years to four schools.

The schools include: Harding University Partnership School, La Cuesta Continuation High School, La Cumbre Junior High School, and McKinley Elementary School.

These grants range from about $700,000 to $1.4 million per school.

The grants will support the development of community school models.

Key priorities include Integrated Student Services, Active Family and Community Engagement and Expanded and Enriched Learning Time and Opportunities.

The primary goal of these grants is to help each school work towards serving their communities.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Fresh plans are coming together to offer more locations for festivities during Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara.

In addition to traditional events like El Desfile Histórico, the Fiesta Parade, there will now be a new carnival.

It will take place on the field at the Downtown Club on Canon Perdido Street. This site was formerly part of the collective Boys & Girls Club in the county and it is rebranding. It has been around since 1938.

“Going back 101 years, to 1924, when the organizers were putting together the concept of Fiesta, they said Fiesta should have a carnival environment,” said 2025 El Presidente Fritz Olenberger.

Details were announced with a shower of confetti and cheering kids. The event is a collaboration between the club and Old Spanish Days, which takes place July 30 through August 3.

Fiesta has undergone some slight changes this year, including the relocation of the traditional Old Spanish Days Fiesta Rodeo and Stock Horse Show from the Earl Warren Showgrounds to the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center.

The Showgrounds will still host a separate rodeo event and carnival during Fiesta weekend, but it is not affiliated with Old Spanish Days.

WATCH NEWSCHANNEL LIVESTREAM: New Fiesta Carnival Announcement

Fiesta weekend remains one of the most anticipated and celebrated times of the year in Santa Barbara. The city’s rich cultural history is showcased through dance, music, and a variety of community events.

Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the city.

The club location on the Eastside of Santa Barbara offers a convenient, walkable site for local families. There’s space on the soccer and football field, as well as nearby asphalt, for a carnival company to set up rides and games. A dance stage and Fiesta dancers will also be featured. At least five major rides are expected.

“We’re really targeting our kids—kids who would otherwise not have access to the Earl Warren Showgrounds or other places because those are farther from where they live. We’re right here, and it’s a lot safer for them to come and have a good time,” said Downtown Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Mark Alvarado.

The new carnival will begin on July 31 and continue through the weekend.

The last time a carnival was held during Fiesta was in 2023, in the City College parking lot near the beach. That location was not feasible this year.

The club’s carnival will be free to attend, with tickets available for rides.

Organizers hope it becomes part of the broader Old Spanish Days experience, especially for families.

“After people go to the parade, stop here for some rides, then head to the downtown mercado in De La Guerra Plaza. Come back here on other nights,” said External Director and past El Presidente David Bolton. “We want this to be part of everyone’s Fiesta week—and part of the larger Fiesta that this community celebrates together.”

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jarrod Zinn

GROVER BEACH, Calif. – Big changes are coming to a public park in the heart of Grover Beach.

City leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony at Ramona Garden Park in Grover Beach Monday morning.

A public donation drive called ‘Your Park, Your Legacy’ is up and running, wherein community members can make donations and have some ownership in the revitalized features.

“We are a 501-C3 organization and we are in partnership with the city of Grover Beach to make sure that the community thrives,” says Jeff Lee, Grover Beach Community Foundation president. “And Ramona Garden Park has a legacy. And you can do that through the support by honoring your loved ones, your family, your business partners, your pets through a commemorative paver, a bench or a table.”

A new playground, more trees and picnic tables, and a new outdoor bandshell will soon adorn the park.

“From concept to breaking ground right now, it’s taken five years,” says Kassi Dee, mayor of Grover Beach. “It has gone through past councils, commissioners and commissions, planning, joint meetings. And now we’re here.”

Popular events have been taking place here for generations, including ‘Santa’s Workshop’ during the holidays, ‘Trunk or Treat’ at Halloween, and summertime’s ‘Concerts in the Park.’

“As a lifelong resident, it’s so exciting to see this revitalization of the park,” says mayor Dee.

The collective goal is to have the project finished in time for ‘Concerts in the Park’ to return one year from now; but if they can finish sooner, they will.

“You’re going to be able to come enjoy that on a daily basis because it is your legacy,” says Lee. “And it’s also going to help support fundraising for the Park project.”

The city received a $3.3 million grant for the first two phases of the project.

The total estimated cost is $4.1 million. 

To make a donation to ‘Your Park, Your Legacy,’ begin by scanning the QR code on the banners you see at and around the park.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – University of California President, Michael V. Drake, has announced Executive Vice Chancellor David Marshall will take over for Chancellor Henry T. Yang, and serve as Interim Chancellor of UC Santa Barbara beginning July 15, 2025.

In August, Chancellor Yang announced he would stepping down from his role at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, after 31 years of service. In a statement, Yang said, “I look forward to returning to the classroom and lab after this academic year, and continuing to support our unparalleled community of students, faculty, and staff to the best of my abilities.”

Since the announcement, the search for the university’s next Chancellor has been underway. President Drake oversaw a search advisory committee, comprised of university faculty, staff, students, alumni and foundation representatives, to begin to the national search for Yang’s replacement.

A discussion regarding the Chancellor search was held at a UC Regents closed meeting in May. However, no formal announcement or updates have been made to the public.

On Monday, President Drake announced Executive Vice Chancellor David Marshall will serve as Interim Chancellor beginning July 15th, and until a new official Chancellor is put in place.

Marshall has held the UCSB’s Executive Vice Chancellor position since 2014, and served as the Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts for 16 years prior. As a Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Marshall is described as a “nationally recognized scholar in the humanities.”

Monday’s announcement read, “David has led major campus initiatives in academic planning, faculty diversity, undergraduate education, and interdisciplinary research. His deep experience, institutional knowledge, and longstanding partnership with Chancellor Yang position him exceptionally well to guide UCSB during this transitional period.”

Yang will conclude his tenure on July 14th, having served as UC Santa Barbara’s fifth Chancellor. During last weekend’s commencement ceremonies, Yang said farewell to the class of 2025:

“You each carry a bold and unique story, one that will stay with you throughout your lives. The same strength and determination that have fueled your ambitions here, will serve you tremendously as you embark on your life’s next chapter. There’s one thing I want you to always remember, and that is how you have helped make us a better university. For that I will say thank you.”

President Drake says the search for the next permanent Chancellor remains actively underway, and will provide updates as the search progresses.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Thousands of people across the Central Coast joined a nationwide wave of demonstrations Saturday as part of the “No Kings” protest movement—gathering in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo to speak out against what organizers call authoritarianism and erosion of democratic values under President Donald Trump.

“I knew there was going to be a great turnout, but this is amazing,” said Julio Roman, executive director of Pacific Pride Foundation, at the Santa Barbara rally. “To see this sea of people from miles up to miles left, it’s just incredible to see.”

The protests coincided with Flag Day, the Army’s 250th birthday, and President Trump’s 79th birthday. Demonstrators held signs, listened to speeches, and marched through city streets, calling for change and the protection of civil liberties.

“I’m here teaching my kids that democracy is not something that’s going to exist if we don’t stand up, if we don’t protest,” said Esther Kim Varet, who attended the Santa Barbara protest with her children. “Protesting is one of our fundamental rights as American citizens.”

The “No Kings” movement is a coordinated national day of action, with organizers pointing to what they see as the increasingly authoritarian nature of the Trump administration.

Thousands also gathered in Ventura, where participants filled sidewalks and streets.

“Extremely. I was trying to ignore Trump, but when he invaded L.A., that was the last straw,” said Rose Buckley, a protester from Ventura.

“Very sad to see this country taking this aim they’re doing now… it’s going into just fascism,” added fellow protester Kay Mendel.

Congressman Salud Carbajal made appearances in both Santa Barbara and Ventura, voicing his support for the demonstrators.

“Not loud enough—we’ve got to make sure Washington can hear it. Good morning, Ventura!” Carbajal told the crowd.

“No kings, no fascists, no dictators, and certainly no… clowns,” he added.

“I mean, I’m going to start to cry… it’s the most absurd situation I’ve ever seen in democracy in my lifetime,” said Evelyn Emi of Venice Beach.

“My hope is people will see the light and we can flip the Senate and the House in 2026,” said Sally Reeder from Oxnard.

Ventura police reported that the protest was peaceful with no disturbances.

In San Luis Obispo, more than 4,000 people rallied at the courthouse. The city blocked off several streets to ensure crowd safety, as many visitors were already in town for Cal Poly’s graduation. Others traveled from as far as Tennessee to participate.

The gathering featured musical performances, speeches, and a march through downtown.

“We’re here protesting the erosion of democracy here in the United States. I think we’re just a small part of a movement trying to take back our democracy,” said Cameron Jones, a Cal Poly faculty member and protester.

A sizeable crowd also gathered for a “No Kings” protest in the Santa Ynez Valley, lining both sides of Highway 246 in front of the Veterans Memorial Hall and Old Mission Santa Inés. The demonstration took place alongside the Santa Ynez Pride Festival and parade.

Back in Santa Barbara, emotions ran high throughout the hours-long event.

“Very heartened and positive and glad to see everyone out here. You know, it’s just a beautiful thing seeing everyone come together,” said Lloyd Patterson.

“Less families being separated, less needless bloodshed, less tyrannical reign over people that just want to live their lives in peace,” he added.

“I literally started tearing up because just seeing the numbers out here really made me realize that we are stronger together, that we are not few, that we are many, and we are a force to be reckoned with—and we will not stay silent,” said Kim Varet.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.