Author: KEYT

Caleb Nguyen

PASO ROBLES, Calif. – Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services crews stopped a fire in the Salinas Riverbed at three acres just before 5:00 p.m. Thursday.

PRFES crews went north of Niblick Bridge after initial reports of the fire reached half an acre.

Crews put out the fire and protected important buildings from the flames, part of a response that included several agencies and an attack plane from CAL FIRE SLO, according to the PRFES.

A total of 65 firefighters put the fire out in under an hour, though traffic and road closures still persisted as of 8:00 p.m. Thursday.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the Paso Robles Police Department is assisting with traffic control.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It was a day of celebration for Santa Barbara Unified School District seniors as the Class of 2025 graduated Thursday evening from San Marcos, Santa Barbara, and Dos Pueblos high schools.

Students took their final walk through stadiums across the district as high schoolers and turned their tassels as graduates, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Parents cheered from the bleachers as names were called and Pomp and Circumstance played.

“Today I feel a weird mix of unknowing, but I do know that we will look back someday on these years, on this moment, wishing we could relive the simplicity of being a teenager,” said one student during the ceremony.

Vanesa Ortiz, a former Santa Barbara High School staff member and alumna, reflected on the milestone.

“I’ve seen them grow up working with them for a lot of years,” Ortiz said. “This is like the excitement of it all, seeing them walk down the hill, and it’s sad to see them go.”

Dare Holdren, principal of San Marcos High School, said it was a special moment for the school community.

“You know, I love the kids, and they did a great job this year,” Holdren said. “And so it’s such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate them.”

Arianna Escamilla, a San Marcos graduate headed to UC San Diego, said the moment felt surreal.

“I’m excited, it doesn’t feel real,” Escamilla said. “It almost feels like it’s all a joke and it’s going to be back to normal on Monday.”

“It feels crazy, I’m still trying to process that it’s happening, but it’s awesome. It feels great,” said Maya Ruvalcaba Rubio, who is Army-bound.

Ruvalcaba Rubio also offered encouragement to other students.

“If you think you can’t do it, you definitely can,” she said. “I never thought I’d be able to graduate a year early. I wasn’t in the best place to graduate early, but find a way and you’re going to make it.”

In total, 1,455 students graduated this week from the Santa Barbara Unified School District. About 788 of them plan to attend Santa Barbara City College in the fall.

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Alissa Orozco

Congratulations to the Grads and Happy Father’s Day to the Dads! Whether you’re celebrating the dad in your life or your most recent graduate, there is plenty to do to make them feel loved. Here’s what’s going on this weekend near and far:

SANTA BARBARA – SOUTH COUNTY

Mosaic Maker’s Market ~ Saturday, June 14th in Santa Barbara

📍Mosaic Locale Courtyard

⏰ 10:00am – 3:00pm

🪩 This vendor’s market has everything: 20+ local vendors showcasing unique gifts and goods, live music, coffee and melts from Goodland Waffles and Melts, and craft beer from Draughtsmen! Learn more here.

Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen ~ Saturday, June 14th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Bowl

⏰ 7:00pm

🪩From a Southwest drifter and professional bull rider to now an award-winning musician and star of a record-breaking hit television series, Ryan Bingham is bringing his talents to the Santa Barbara Bowl. Bingham’s music is the perfect mix of folk, blues, country, and rock ‘n roll all in one. Learn more here.

Circus Vargas ~ June 13th – 23rd in Santa Barbara

📍Earl Warren Showgrounds

⏰ Check for Showtimes

🪩 Join Circus Vargas for their “Hollywood Dreams” tour, featuring breathtaking stunts, dazzling aerialists, and world-class performer. Named one of the best circuses in the state, you won’t want to miss out this weekend. Learn more here.

Santa Ynez Valley Pride Festival ~ Saturday, June 14th in Solvang

📍Alisal Rd. and Oak St.

⏰ 11:00am

🪩 This Pride event kicks off with a parade where everyone is welcome to skip, float, walk, skate, and march down the charming center of Solvang! The family-friendly festival will follow with food trucks, bounce houses, vendor booths, face painting, beer & wine garden, and more! Learn more here.

Star Party ~ Saturday, June 14th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

⏰ 8:30pm

🪩 Visit the Palmer Observatory as it opens its door and its roof for a night of star gazing! Astronomy experts and members of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit will be on-site to help, along with their state-of-the-art 20-inch telescope. Learn more here.

SANTA MARIA – NORTH COUNTY

Photo: Allan Hancock College

West Coast College & University Wine Festival ~ Saturday, June 14th in Santa Maria

📍Between Buildings A & B | Santa Maria campus

⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 This wine event provides a space for local colleges and wineries to show off their work! You can look forward to wine tastings from local wineries and small bites by local restaurants. Learn more here.

Costume Bingo ~ Friday, June 13th in Lompoc

📍Lompoc Public Library

⏰ 4:00pm – 5:30pm

🪩 Start the weekend off right with a nice game of Family Bingo! Costumes are not required, but heavily encouraged! There will be plenty of opportunities to win some prizes so get there early! Learn more here.

Father’s Day Brunch ~ Sunday, June 15th in Santa Maria

📍Santa Maria Elks Lodge

⏰ 9:00am – 11:00am

🪩 Avoid making a mess in your kitchen, and join the Santa Maria Elks Lodge for a Father’s Day brunch! They’ll be serving up New York Steak & Eggs, Country Fried Potatoes, Elks Beans, Biscuits & Gravy, and so much more! Celebrate the dad in your life with a good meal. Learn more here.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Photo: Live Oak Music Festival

Live Oak Music Festival ~ June 13th -15th in San Luis Obispo

📍El Chorro Regional Campground

⏰ Check for set times

🪩 The Live Oak Festival is held every year to benefit KCBX Public Radio and brings together musicians from all kind of genres, like funk, soul, folk, gospel, roots rock, Americana, jazz, bluegrass, blues, world music and more. Whether you’re camping out for the weekend or just coming for the day, you’ll have a blast at this local festival. Learn more here.

Atascadero Pride ~ Saturday, June 14th in Atascadero

📍Atascadero Lake Park

⏰ 11:00am – 5:00pm

🪩 The theme for this year’s Atascadero Pride is “Love Changes Everything.” Come celebrate that with music, dancing, roller skating, food, and more. Couples can even get married at this event with their marriage license! Learn more here.

Father’s Day Celebration ~ Sunday, June 15th in San Miguel

📍California Lavender Honey Farm

⏰ 10:00am

🪩 This is a more peaceful Father’s Day celebration for dads and their families. This local honey farm tour is free to all dads, and includes a visit to the garden/greenhouse and veggie tastings, Bee museum tour, and a tasting of freshly gathered delicious spring honey. Learn more here.

Movies in the Park ~ Friday, June 13th in Atascadero

📍Colony Park

⏰ 8:00pm – 10:00pm

🪩 Enjoy a free movie night with the Atascadero community! Before the movies, beginning at 7 pm, there will be a variety of fun games and activities for the whole family to enjoy! Chalk drawing, frisbee tossing, mini-soccer games, and sack races! They’ll be showing Moana 2! Learn more here.

VENTURA COUNTY

Photo: Conejo Recreation and Park District

Father’s Day Car Show ~ Sunday, June 15th in Oxnard

📍Channel Islands Harbor

⏰ 10:00am – 3:00pm

🪩 The Channel Islands Harbor is putting on a Classic Car Show this weekend for dads to enjoy a nice car viewing, live music, art, and more! Enter your dad in the annual Aloha Shirt Contest! Learn more here.

805 Night Market ~ June 13th – 15th in Thousand Oaks

📍Conejo Creek South Park

⏰ 12:00pm

🪩 The 805 Market is back on the Central Coast and you don’t want to miss out! It’s a cultural experience that brings people together through incredible flavors, live entertainment, and a vibrant marketplace. Learn more here.

Touch-a-Truck ~ Saturday, June 14th in Thousand Oaks

📍Thousand Oaks Community Park

⏰ 10:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 Families will get the opportunity to explore emergency vehicles and trucks up close and personal! Kids can climb inside and see inside these impressive vehicles. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more here.

Aquapalooza ~ Saturday, June 14th in Simi Valley

📍Rancho Simi Community Pool

⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 The community pool in Simi Valley is hosting fun activities and events all summer long! Aquapalooza will have water slides, water wheels, diving boards, AquaTrack obstacle course, water basketball, beachballs, inner tubes and more! This is pretty popular event so make sure to pre-register your family. Learn more here.

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Caleb Nguyen

ISLA VISTA, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Fire crews helped with a water rescue near Sands Beach on Slough Road just before 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Three kayakers nearly two miles off Coal Oil Point in Goleta called for help after their boats took on water, according to the SBCFD.

None of the kayakers wore lifejackets but were not injured after being rescued by the SBCFD.

Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol helped all three kayakers to Santa Barbara Harbor after firefighters and paramedics reached them, according to the SBCFD.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ was the song of the day on Thursday throughout the Santa Maria Valley.

All three large public high schools in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) held graduation ceremonies during the day.

Pioneer Valley High School was the first to hand out diplomas, starting its commencement ceremony at 9 a.m.

Under ideal weather conditions, more than 3,500 people filled Panthers Stadium to cheer on a class numbering 669 graduates.

“We worked really hard to be here today,” said valedictorian Dayanna Soto. “I’m really excited. I think we are all really amazing students. I had the pleasure to work with them for four years. They’ve supported me through many battles that we’ve had together, through walking in the hallways with our masks on because of Covid to being here today. They were also very helpful and so I’m happy it was this class.”

Santa Maria High School held its graduation ceremony in Ralph Baldiviez Stadium for 715 students later in the morning at 11:30 a.m.

“It’s a special day,” said Kacey Van Horn, who served as president on Santa Maria’s award winning FFA program. “All of our hard work is paying off, and we get to celebrate each other. We’ve been together for the last four years and being able to come together and celebrate each other one last time before we go on to our future endeavors is super exciting.”

At 2 p.m., Righetti High School celebrated its Class of 2025 with a festive ceremony inside Warrior Stadium, where 550 purple-clad graduates received their diplomas.

“It really means a lot for me,” said valedictorian Dan Bishop. “Walking across with all of my fellow classmates, my friends. It’s really been a community that we’ve built here. Everyone in our class is really close. It’s really exciting to be here with everyone and experience this not just alone, but with the whole community.”

A day earlier, Delta High School, the continuation school for SMJUHSD, celebrated 550 graduates during a ceremony at Righetti’s Warrior Stadium.

In total, more than 2,000 students in the school district are receiving diplomas this year.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – A coalition of immigrant-advocacy groups gathered in Santa Maria this morning to denounce recent immigration raids.

Several organizations including: CAUSE, MICOP, FLA, The FUND for Santa Barbara, the 805 Immigrant Coalition, and other community partners gathered at the Joseph Centeno Government building in Santa Maria on Thursday.

The small, peaceful rally aimed to raise awareness about the impacts of recent ice raids.

“We are urging our elected officials at the city level, at the county level, calling our governor to take action and protect our community,” says Fernando Martinez, community organizing manager for MICOP.

At least 40 farmworkers from Santa Maria down to Oxnard were detained two days ago, and it could have been more if the employers hadn’t denied ice’s entry.

“I think it’s an issue that it’s affecting us one way or another,” says Martinez. “If there’s no farmworkers, most likely the cost of produce, it’s going to go up.”

Speakers brought up that some immigrant workers are dealing with errors, delays and miscommunications from immigration offices.

In some cases, the logjam dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think the narrative that they’re only pursuing criminals or people with criminal histories is completely false,” says Maria Salguero, Immigrant Legal Defense Center senior attorney. “And I see it with the people that I’m consulting with that are being detained in our community.”

Salguero says a significant number of immigrants have been unaware they missed a hearing, hence the surprise when ICE comes to detain them.

“Under immigration law, if you don’t go to your hearing, you’re ordered deported in absentia, in your absence,” says Salguero. “And I want to emphasize that immigration enforcement is not criminal enforcement. Immigration proceedings are not criminal in nature. They’re civil in nature.”

In a social media post the same day, President Trump acknowledged his aggressive immigration policies are taking workers from the farming and hospitality industries, who are difficult to replace.

He wrote, in part, “we must protect our farmers, but get the criminals out of the USA.”

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John Palminteri

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Valley is reviving rodeo traditions and demonstrating some of the long-standing events that make the sport so popular in the Central Coast area.

 The 6th Annual Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo is set for June 21 and 22. It is presented by The Santa Ynez Valley Western Heritage Foundation.

The arena is being built on land owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, the San Carlos Property, across from the airport off of Highway 246.

On a larger scale, the two-day event is a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) qualifying rodeo which means some of the top performers in the nation will be present along with rising stars.

“From the second you drive in, it’s about having a good time, whether you come in with your friends or your family,” said Cody Murphy the Vice President of the Western Heritage Foundation.

His father Kevin Murphy founded the event with his friend Ralph Lausten of Empire Rodeo.

They want it to be a traditional style event with a close up feel for the action. Some of the riders will be pros and rising stars.

It will include Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Tie-down roping, Barrel Racing and Steer Racing and Women’s Breakaway Roping.

The Junior Events will include Mutton Bustin’, Junior Barrel Racing and Stick Horse racing.

 “You get into it when you see the biggest names in rodeo going by. It’s all about feeling the horses running by you, the bulls. You’re in the action. It’s a good time,” said Cody Murphy.

Western culture will be featured throughout this event through activities and promotional items. It will transfer to many other areas in the heart of Santa Ynez and nearby communities. The event overall will be a regional economic booster.

This is a family friendly event with kids getting some up close time with the performers. Admission is free for children 12 and under. There will be no charge for parking on the property in a designated field area.

There will also be coverage on the Cowboy TV channel and the Cowboy Lifestyle Network. A 20 foot by 30 foot screen will be on location for close up shots.

Seating has been increased from last year. There will be 2000 bleacher seats along with a large VIP tent for over 300. The event will take place Saturday starting at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. It is expected to be fast-paced and done in about two to three hours. There will be a DJ and dancing afterwards.

Some of the funds will go to programs including the Golden Circle of Champions which supports cancer treatment and services for children. There are also funds for the Santa Ynez High School Agriculture Department.

The rodeo is on the same weekend as Old Santa Ynez Days with a parade set for Saturday morning through the township. “Years ago, when it was started, they did have some performances and a rodeo that went on after (what was called) Tortilla Day. So we thought it’d be kind of neat to bring that back,” said Kevin Murphy.

For more information, ticket sales and sponsors go to: Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo https://www.syvrodeo.com/

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It was a tragedy that changed a Santa Barbara woman’s  life forever. 

A traffic accident killed her fiance and landed her in the hospital.

It happened on August 9th 2016, when Leslie Salazar was a passenger in a car driving through the Santa Barbara Mesa. 

“I was in the car with my fiancée. The car was speeding. I jumped out of the vehicle,” said Salazar.

20 minutes later, her fiancée who was driving under the influence crashed into a power pole, at more than 90 miles an hour killing all three people in the car.

An organization that Salazar was already involved with was there for her during this difficult time. 

Santa Barbara based Mothers’ Helpers focuses on helping mothers in need with essential items for children.  

“People are having trouble just making rent and food for their families … let alone baby essentials that can cost $2500 in the first six months for your baby … if you want a bassinet for them if you want blankets clothing, diapers those are all really big expenses,” said executive director Michelle Erickson of Mothers’ Helpers.

“Feeling inadequate as a mother … just being another stereotype … It’s hard,” said Salazar.

But she didn’t give up.

Salazar worked closely with Mothers’ Helpers.

She received a car seat, shoes and clothes for her baby.

But more importantly, a sense of hope. 

“Leaving the trauma behind … giving mom‘s hope that you can overcome anything between addiction, jails, hospitals … you can overcome it,” said Salazar.

Now, side by side with her 8-year old daughter Genisys, Salazar volunteers for the nonprofit that helped rebuild her shattered life.

“I like to volunteer here because I get to help other children. It helps other families that they don’t have diapers. They don’t have cribs. They don’t have anything, and we can help them by giving it to them,” said Flores.

While Salazar stays busy at Mothers’ Helpers she’s hoping more people will volunteer to help mothers in need.

Today, Salazar no longer considers herself a victim. 

Now she’s an advocate for other mothers in need.

And she has a message for them. 

“It’s okay … to ask for help,” said Salazar.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the Templeton Community Services District regarding the return of their summer music series, Concerts in the Park.

TEMPLETON, Calif. – The wait is over — Concerts in the Park is back! Templeton Recreation kicks off its beloved summer music series tonight at Templeton Park with Petty Party, a high-energy tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, proudly presented by Davis Body Shop.

Join us every Wednesday from 6–8 PM, June 11 through August 20 (no concert July 23), for ten weeks of free, live music featuring rock, reggae, country, funk, soul, and more. Bring your lawn chairs, grab a bite from local vendors, sip beer, wine, or cocktails from Templeton Mercantile, and enjoy the ultimate small-town summer vibe.

This year’s lineup features crowd-favorite acts like The Molly Ringwald Project, ghost/monster, Monte Mills, and Ras Danny Reggae — something for every music lover.

2025 Concert Lineup:

· June 11 – Petty Party (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Tribute) – Presented by Davis Body Shop

· June 18 – ULTRA (Alt-Pop-Rock Dance Hits) – Presented by The Blueprinter & Graphics

· June 25 – Joy Bonner Band (Funky, Soulful, Rockin’ Oldies) – Presented by Templeton Glass Company Inc.

· July 2 – Ras Danny Reggae (Authentic Jamaican Reggae) – Presented by BarrelHouse Brewing Company

· July 9 – The Molly Ringwald Project (Rad ’80s Tribute Dance Band) – Presented by Twin Cities Surveying, Inc.

· July 16 – ghost/monster (Feel-Good, Upbeat Multi-Genre Rock) – Presented by RE/MAX Success

· July 30 – Josh Rosenblum Band (Pop, Rock, Soul, Funk) – Presented by Adventist Health

· August 6 – Talie & The Troublemakers (Dance Rock Multi-Genre) – Presented by Bank of the Sierra

· August 13 – The Platinum Beat (High-Energy Hits Across the Decades) – Presented by JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

· August 20 – Monte Mills & The Lucky Horseshoe Band (Classic Country, Old-Time Rock & Roll) – Presented by Templeton Market & Deli

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Dave Alley

CHOLAME, Calif. – The long-planned goal to improve traffic safety at one of the dangerous stretches of roadway in San Luis Obispo County is near completion.

On Wednesday, Caltrans, along with various local officials, held a ribbon cutting to mark a major milestone in the project to build a new interchange at the intersection of Highways 46 and 41, often referred to as the “Cholame Y.”

“We are super excited,” said Scott Eades, Caltans District 5 Director. “This has been a long time coming. We’ve been working in this direction from Paso Robles for many years, and we finally were able to secure the funding we needed for the Y,and now we’re opening it up for the first time to the traveling public.”

Eades indicated traffic will start moving on the new overpass as soon as this week and will be the latest edition to the multi-year effort to increase safety in the vital cooridor.

“From what I understand, we’ll see cars on here tomorrow,” said Eades. “We are going to be opening in stages. We’ve been building it in segments for many years, trying to ultimately build from I-5 all the way to over to Highway 101 a four-lane divided highway. It’s certainly needed from a safety standpoint.”

The intersection has long been one of the most dangerous locations on any Central Coast roadway and has seen countless collisions through the years, including numerous fatalities, most notably actor James Dean, who was killed in a crash at the site in 1955.

“The old intersection was a notorious one, dating back to the James Dean era,” said Darren Gennuso, Templeton CHP Commander. “There have been numerous lives that were lost in collisions. That was a scary intersection to, to drive through.”

With the new overpass, drivers who are traveling eastbound and need to head onto Highway 41 will no longer have to turn left across oncoming traffic on the two-lane road.

“This connection and this change in this highway will help save lives,” said Morro Bay Mayor Carla Wixom, who is also the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) Vice President. “We’ve lost many people, local residents from San Luis County that have just been traveling, to and from vacation, or visitors that are coming this way, and having this separation really is going to ensure a much safer passage for all of those who come to visit the Central Coast.”

Wixom, who spoke during the 30-minute ceremony that was held right under the new overpass, also pointed out how important the two rural highways are to the Central Coast.

“This highway is a connector for so many things as far as agricultural connections from the I-5, the Central Valley over to 101 and north California,” said Wixom. “From our farming areas, as well as commerce and tourism and all aspects of of those things that come into our county, so really, it’s vital that we have these opportunities out here now for this new flyover and provide safer access for those that are coming through this area.”

While the new overpass is now complete, there is still quite a bit of construction taking place in the surrounding area.

Just down the new road, two additional overpasses that are designed to also help enhance the safety in on the highway remain under construction.

“Those structures are providing throughput for the the local roads that go underneath Highway 46,” said Eades. “Those were at grade before. Now there’s full grade separation. It also provides for wildlife connectivity, so there’s, you know deer and antelope and elk out here, and we designed the project to accommodate them and their ability to travel underneath 46. We channelized those through fencing and have these over crossings to be able to our structures to be able to let them move under as well.”

Eades expects the other two overpasses to be completed sometime in 2026.

According to Caltrans, the overall cost of the new interchange project was $147 million.

Caltrans added the interchange is part of a larger, phased project to widen Highway 46 East from a two-lane highway to a four-lane expressway from east of the Shandon Rest area to east of Davis Road.

The first segment of widening in the corridor began near Paso Robles in 2008.

The next planned phase is widening Highway 46 East through the Antelope Grade, which is located near the Cholame Y.

The Antelope Grade project is expected to begin construction in spring 2027.

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