Author: KEYT

Christer Schmidt

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A new study published in ‘Frontiers in Public Health’ finds people with overwhelming grief symptoms face a significantly higher chance of dying within 10 years of losing a loved one.

Trauma coach and author Hertha Lund, who specializes in grief work and equine-assisted healing, says early intervention and compassionate support can make the difference between getting stuck in trauma and finding a path forward.

Lund described how some mourners enter “a deep shock response” immediately after a loss, sometimes unable to function for days. “They lose time and space,” she explained. That’s when it’s critical for family and friends to help re-establish structure; regular sleep, meals, and daily routines. “The body speaks first,” Lund said. “If someone stays stuck in that trauma response, it deregulates the whole system”.

Grief often comes in waves, she added, disrupting daily life at first but easing with time. “The waves of grief really disrupt us at first, and then they get farther and farther apart. It won’t last forever,” she said. Supporters, she emphasized, should “be kind, compassionate, listen, [and] let them know that they’re not alone.” Lund recommends staying away from alcohol and caffeine, which can heighten anxiety and depression.

Lund also draws from her training as an equine Gestalt coach, a form of therapy that combines traditional Gestalt psychology, which focuses on awareness, presence, and processing emotions in the moment, with the intuitive responses of horses. In practice, the animal becomes a partner in healing, often mirroring human emotions and providing a grounding presence. Lund has seen horses offer comfort in the raw, immediate stages of grief.

“Oftentimes a horse will come in and literally provide contact and support. I’ve seen horses wrap their heads around somebody and hug them,” she said.

She explained that while horses can provide solace right after a loss, equine Gestalt work can also help people address unresolved grief over time. “A year or two after the loss is when the big shifts come,” Lund noted. “I helped one woman who lost her husband of 38 years, and after working with the horse she was able to live differently afterwards.”

For those without horses, Lund notes that dogs and other animals can provide a similar sense of grounding and connection. What matters most, she said, is finding ways to stay anchored in the body, connected to others, and patient with the healing process.

Her closing message for anyone mourning: “Slow down, allow yourself to feel; get back to your normal routine, eating, sleeping, and be so kind to yourself. We really need to know that we’re not alone and that people are there that love us and support us. That’s what helps us get through grief with the least amount of damage”.

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Men’s Soccer team pressed and pressed and pressed their way to a big win on Thursday night, downing the reigning Atlantic Sun Conference Champion North Florida Ospreys, 3-0. Ramses Martinez opened the scoring, Zac Siebenlist found the back of the net for the second time in as many matches and Mateos Carvalho scored his first collegiate goal, while Jacob Blach yet again proved a vital addition to Santa Barbara’s back line, anchoring the defense in their first shutout of the season.

FROM HEAD COACH TIM VOM STEEG”Whenever you get a chance to beat a team that, like I said, I think is a quality team, it’s a good one,” head coach Tim Vom Steeg said. “The pressing part happens when everybody knows what’s behind them and they’re comfortable with the players around them so you trust people … Tonight, I thought the guys trusted each other, they were committed, and when one guy went, the second guy went behind them, and that made all the difference for us.”

HOW IT HAPPENEDVom Steeg’s squad was all over the Ospreys early on Thursday night, keeping North Florida penned in their own half for essentially the entire first 20 minutes. Thanks to their aggressive high press, the Gauchos created plenty of opportunities, with Martinez forcing a save inside the first five minutes. Nicolas Willumsen went close in the early stages too. The Dane was on the receiving end of a delightful sequence of one-touch passes at the top of the penalty area, but he thumped his volleyed effort narrowly to the wrong side of the goalpost.

With Santa Barbara controlling early possession, North Florida’s only threats in the early stages came from counterattacks, but, perhaps too eager to escape the Gauchos’ throttling defense, the Ospreys were caught offside three times in six minutes, shutting down any chances for the visitors to steal a goal. They did start to get the ball at their feet a bit more as the clock ticked toward 30 minutes, but right as North Florida started to crack the door open, Martinez and Santa Barbara slammed it back in their faces.

With the ball on the left wing in the 34th minute, Kaden Standish played a pass in behind the defense, which Steinar Bjornsson was all too eager to chase. The Icelander got to the end line and chipped a cross back into the penalty area. Martinez was in the right place, completely un-marked at the penalty spot, and volleyed the ball into the top right corner to put the Gauchos on top.

Santa Barbara’s press did soften for the rest of the first half, though they still managed to deny North Florida any shots on goal between Martinez opening the scoring and the halftime whistle. In fact, the Gauchos nearly doubled their lead in the 44th minute, when a cross got past the Ospreys’ goalkeeper and Haruki Utsumi was able to direct it goalward. The ball would have gone into the un-guarded net, had it not been blocked by a North Florida defender. The Gauchos would have to settle for a one-goal lead at halftime.

Immediately after halftime, Santa Barbara had to weather a 15-minute storm as the play became staccato and physical, which the Ospreys used to create a sequence of chances. The visitors appealed for a penalty kick in the 54th minute, and the referee went to video review, but he was unmoved and did not award a spot kick.

Shortly afterwards, the Gauchos nearly doubled their lead as Siebenlist got on the end of another flowing passing move down the left wing, but his shot fizzed just wide of the post. A minute later, as the clock reached the hour mark, Santa Barbara found themselves both up a goal and up a man. A hard, late challenge resulted in an Osprey defender seeing a red card, swinging the momentum back into the Gauchos’ favor. It took 14 minutes for Santa Barbara to capitalize on their numerical advantage, but when they did it was Siebenlist finding himself in the right place at the right time for a second game running.

After Drew Kamienski made a great block against North Florida’s leading scorer, he was able to get Santa Barbara going on a counterattack. At the other end of it, Thomas Noordegraaf did well to thread a pass between two defenders and find Siebenlist in acres of space in the penalty area, but the sophomore’s strike was pushed onto the post. However, the Ospreys failed to clear the ball and it fell right back to Siebenlist, who made the most of his second chance, finding the bottom right corner. That essentially put the game to bed, with North Florida only attempting two more shots between Siebenlist’s score and the final whistle, one of which went high and the other of which was easily saved by Luke Skinner in the Gaucho goal.

However, Santa Barbara was not done having fun. Willumsen got a wide-open shot 12 yards from goal in the 82nd minute but was denied by a great save, and Eddie Villeda had a long-range effort blocked in the 85th. In the 89th minute, the Gauchos finally punched through again for their third goal. Isaiah Barber made a great tackle to win the ball back 30 yards from goal, popped to his feet and played a pass to split two defenders and find Noordegraaf running through. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, the Dutchman selflessly passed to Carvalho, giving the freshman a simple tap-in for his first collegiate score.

FROM THE STUDENT ATHLETES”It’s important to finish our chances against teams like North Florida,” Martinez said. They’re a really good team, they broke our press multiple times, so getting a goal in in the first half is very important, and once we got the goal it gave us momentum, we were able to establish possession and create more chances.”

“Every time the ball goes out wide, coach wants people back stick, first post and then top of the 18, and I knew the ball was coming,” Martinez said of his goal. “I knew, so it’s just instinct for goal, I saw it, took the opportunity and I scored.”

BY THE NUMBERSMartinez’s goal was the fourth of his Gaucho career. Three of them, including Thursday night’s, have been the game-winning strike. The only one that does not hold that distinction was the go-ahead goal in Santa Barbara’s 2021 NCAA Tournament match at UCLA.After being held to just eight shots on opening day at Oregon State, the Gauchos have now tallied 15 or more shots in back-to-back matches, registering 17 on Thursday night.Along with Carvalho recording his first collegiate goal on Thursday, Bjornsson registered his first collegiate assist and Skinner picked up his first collegiate shutout.

UP NEXTUC Santa Barbara will be back at Harder Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30 to host the 62nd Community Shield match against Westmont. Though the match will be an exhibition and not count towards either side’s records, there are bragging rights on the line. The teams played to a 2-2 draw in 2024’s edition of the fixture. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and tickets are on sale now at ucsbgauchos.com/tickets. Fans can also catch all the action from anywhere by watching live on ESPN+ or with live stats at ucsbgauchos.com/MSOC_Stats.

(Courtesy UCSB Athletics)

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Jarrod Zinn

BUELLTON, Calif. – The Housing Authority of Santa Barbara County, or HASBARCO, cut the ribbon this afternoon on its latest affordable housing complex in Buellton.

Polo Village has been housing people since May, but today it was officially recognized.

City leaders, builders, and designers – as well as state and county representatives – attended.

Several people remarked on the sophisticated design of Polo Village, that it was not just functional, but beautiful.

With spacious, air conditioned interiors, a community center, and full support staff, many who called themselves unhoused just months ago can now say they are home.

“I have a foundation and I can start a new life and a new chapter,” says Polo Village resident Frederick Villa. “I’m very grateful for the community. I’m able to interact with people, the staff and, of course, all the ordinary and put it together and let me live another day.”

HASBARCO is one of several organizations building affordable housing complexes on the Central Coast.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for theNews Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara County has launched a new digital equity website to help families with back-to-school needs.

The site offers affordable internet options, free or low-cost devices, and digital literacy resources.

The year-round hub is designed to keep families connected and ready for the academic year.

It was developed through the Santa Barbara County Digital Equity Coalition with local partners.

Leaders say access to reliable internet is essential for student success.

For more information, visit: http://www.SBCDEC.org

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Senior Nutrition Programs across California are serving more than food, they are building health and community.

“Meals are very important. A lot of times people don’t realize how important a meal is, but it could be that one thing that brings a smile to your day,” said Connie Nakano, Assistant Director of the California Department of Aging.

Last year alone, 22 million meals were served through the Department’s flagship program. “It’s not just the nutritional value of the meals, which is critically important. It’s the connection that food brings as people gather together and share meals,” said Susan DeMarois, Director of the California Department of Aging.

In San Francisco, Self-Help for the Elderly serves 50,000 seniors a year. President and CEO Anni Chung said meals are tailored to the city’s diversity: “If a senior center could serve rice, sometimes noodles, have hot soup, and then the ethnically balanced, nutritiously balanced meals are catered to their taste, then they’ll come back every day.”

For participants, the program is about friendship as much as nutrition. “We always meet and mingle and develop relationship on the table while you’re eating. That’s how you make friends,” said Tyrone Yip, a volunteer and participant.

Nakano added that meal programs often connect older adults to other services, from transportation to caregiver support. “These meal programs are kind of the doorway to understand what other supports are there to help older Californians really live independently and thrive in their communities.”

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Caleb Nguyen

TEMPLETON, Calif. – CAL FIRE SLO crews put out a two to three-acre fire at 2550 Vineyard Drive in Templeton just after 2:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

The forward progress of the fire stopped about 40 minutes after initial ignition and crews will remain on the scene of the fire until 4:00 p.m., detailed CAL FIRE SLO.

The fire threatened no structures and no injuries were reported from the fire, according to CAL FIRE SLO.

Vineyard Road remains closed near the fire and CAL FIRE SLO advises alternate routes for emergency crews to fully contain the fire.

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Labor Day weekend is known as one of the busiest travel times of the year, and Central Coast residents are joining millions nationwide in taking to the skies and the roads. For many, it’s one last getaway before summer comes to an end.

Road congestion expected to peak Friday

AAA projects Seattle, Orlando and New York as the top national destinations this holiday, but locally drivers should brace for slowdowns. The California Highway Patrol is launching its Labor Day holiday enforcement period Friday night, putting extra officers on the road to watch for impaired drivers. Last year, 61 people were killed across California during the holiday, and more than a third of those deaths were DUI-related, according to CHP. Officials are urging drivers to plan a sober ride and to call 911 if they spot someone unsafe behind the wheel.

Travel experts also recommend timing departures carefully to avoid gridlock. Friday, Aug. 29, is expected to be the heaviest day for traffic. The best travel windows are before noon Friday, between 6 and 10 a.m. Saturday, and before 11 a.m. on Sunday. On Labor Day itself, Sept. 1, drivers should aim to hit the road before noon. Check out the road conditions before you head out.

Drivers heading out this Labor Day weekend will see some relief at the pump, with gas prices expected to be the lowest since 2020. Nationally, the average is around $3.15 a gallon, about 14 cents cheaper than last year, according to GasBuddy and the U.S. Energy Information Administration. California remains among the most expensive states, with averages near $4.59 statewide and about $4.59 in Santa Barbara County and $4.64 in Ventura County, AAA reports. Check out local gas prices before you head out.

Airports bracing for record flyers

The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 17.4 million passengers nationwide between Aug. 28 and Sept. 3, making Friday the single busiest air travel day of the holiday stretch. That’s up from 17.1 million last year, marking the busiest Labor Day travel period since before the pandemic.

Here in Santa Barbara, many are flying out for the long weekend, with lower prices easing the impact on wallets. AAA says flights are averaging 6% cheaper than last year, hotels are down 11% and rental cars about 3% less. Gas prices are also holding steady.

At the airport, TSA says travelers will see updated security measures, including family and military-friendly lanes, expanded eligibility for complimentary TSA PreCheck for Gold Star Families, and discounts for military spouses applying for PreCheck.

Weather brings both relief and risks

Marine clouds pushed into the Central Coast early Thursday, with areas of dense fog developing as onshore flow strengthened, Chief Meteorologist Mackenzie Lake said. Some of those clouds may be disrupted as additional moisture from Tropical Storm Juliette arrives, bringing mid- to high-level clouds and humid conditions. Surf looks manageable, but Lake cautions that “there is additional energy in the water so use caution when swimming.”

Tropical impacts fade by Friday, with the Central Coast returning to calm conditions, light winds and pleasant summer temperatures.

“The holiday weekend is shaping up beautifully,” Lake added. “If you have extra days off, make sure to plan something special. We’re looking at clear skies, warm weather and multiple days of sunshine with highs near 75.”

Bottom line for Central Coast travelers

Whether flying out or hitting the road, travel experts say the best advice is to plan ahead, pack your patience, and never drive under the influence.

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Christer Schmidt

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – A vegetation fire is burning in the Santa Maria Riverbed north of Atlantic Place and Bentley Avenue in Santa Maria near Highway 101 and Highway 166.

Wind is driving the fire, now known as the Hutton Fire, and burning from the south to the north in the middle of the riverbed.

The fire is around 20.5 acres as of the time of writing. No structures are currently threatened, according to the first-arriving unit.

Forward progress was stopped as of 3:15 p.m. on Friday. The fire is now 80% contained.

Your News Channel will update you as we learn more.

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Alissa Orozco

VENTURA, Calif. – A Ventura man was booked on multiple charges in a violent sexual assault that reportedly took place near Thille Park earlier in the month.

Ventura County District Attorney, Erik Nasarenko, announced Thursday Kevin Guerrero of Ventura has been charged with forcible rape and kidnapping to commit rape on August 26th.

On August 11th, 2025, a sexual assault of woman was reported near Thrille Park in Ventura. Guerrero is accused of grabbing the woman, who was walking westbound, off the sidewalk and into nearby bushes. Allegedly, Guerrero covered the woman’s mouth as she attempted to call out for help.

Guerrero fled the scene, but was later arrested by police on August 20th.

He made his first court appearance on Tuesday, and his arraignment will continue to September 22, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court.

He is being held in custody with no bail and facing 85 years to life in state prison if convicted on all charges.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Goleta regarding the Fourth Annual Creek Week Art Contest

GOLETA, Calif. – Time is running out to turn in your artwork for Goleta Valley Library’s Fourth Annual Creek Week Art Contest! In celebration of Creek Week (September 20 – 27) the library has partnered with the City of Goleta’s Parks & Recreation Division and Environmental Services Division to invite our community to submit an original work of art in this year’s theme, “Once Upon a Creek: Bringing the Community Together with Art.”

As a reminder, to be included in the contest, bring your artwork to the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) during the following days and times and submit it to Sharon Nigh, Library Assistant and Creek Week Art Contest Coordinator:

Wednesday, September 3 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Senior Lounge

Saturday, September 6 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Classroom 2

Please note that artwork cannot be accepted at GVL Express. If you are unable to drop off your submissions at the Goleta Community Center during these times, please contact Sharon Nigh at snigh@cityofgoleta.gov.

Artists of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in this popular contest. Read below for all the details:

Art Competition Guidelines

All artwork that represents the theme will be accepted.

Submissions will be grouped into three age categories: Adults (18+), Teens (7th-12th grade), and Children (6th grade and below).

Participants may only submit one piece of art. Art must be original, completed solely by the participant.

All mediums accepted (photography, painting, drawing, collage, etc.).

Artwork is not required to be framed but must have the artist’s name and age category on the back.

Submissions must be no larger than 42” in any direction (including frame) and must have a way to be hung on the wall.

Artwork will be scored on relevance to the theme, overall appearance, and originality.

Artwork will be scored by guest judges, who will award a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place award as well as three Honorable Mentions for each age category.

A reception will be held at the Goleta Community Center on Thursday, September 25 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. All participants, along with community members, are invited to attend.

Artwork will remain on display for the community to enjoy through Friday, October 10.

Submissions must be picked up at the Goleta Community Center during the following days and times: Wednesdays October 15, 22 and 29 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Senior Lounge as well as Saturday, October 18 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Dining Hall.

Submitted artwork may be used in future marketing efforts. A waiver will be provided at the time of drop-off. Artists have the option to participate without signing a waiver.

We look forward to seeing our community’s creativity come to life to honor Goleta the Goodland!

Traducción al Español:

GOLETA, Calif. – ¡Se acaba el tiempo para entregar su obra de arte para el Cuarto Concurso Anual de Arte de la Semana del Arroyo de la Biblioteca del Valle de Goleta! En celebración de la Semana del Arroyo (del 20 al 27 de septiembre), la biblioteca se ha asociado con la División de Parques y Recreación y la División de Servicios Ambientales de la Ciudad de Goleta para invitar a nuestra comunidad a presentar una obra de arte original con el tema de este año, “Érase una una vez: uniendo a la comunidad con el arte”.

Como recordatorio, para ser incluido en el concurso, traiga su obra de arte al Centro Comunitario Goleta (5679 Hollister Avenue) durante los siguientes días y horarios y envíela a Sharon Nigh, asistente de biblioteca y coordinadora del concurso de arte de la Semana del Arroyo:

Miércoles 3 de septiembre de 2:00 a 4:00 p.m. en el Senior Lounge

Sábado 6 de septiembre de 11:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m. en el Salón 2

Tenga en cuenta que no se pueden aceptar obras de arte en GVL Express. Si no puede dejar sus presentaciones en el Centro Comunitario de Goleta durante estos horarios, comuníquese con Sharon Nigh en snigh@cityofgoleta.gov.

Artistas de todas las edades y niveles de habilidad son bienvenidos a participar en este popular concurso. Lea a continuación para conocer todos los detalles:

Pautas para la competencia de arte

Se aceptarán todas las obras de arte que representen el tema.

Las presentaciones se agruparán en tres categorías de edad: Adultos (18+), Adolescentes (7º12º grado) y Niños (6º grado y menores).

Los participantes solo pueden enviar una obra de arte. El arte debe ser original, completado únicamente por el participante.

Se aceptan todos los medios (fotografía, pintura, dibujo, collage, etc.).

No es necesario enmarcar la obra de arte, pero debe tener el nombre del artista y la categoría de edad en la parte posterior.

Las presentaciones no deben ser más grandes de 42 “en cualquier dirección (incluido el marco) y deben tener una forma de colgarse en la pared.

Las obras de arte se calificarán según la relevancia del tema, la apariencia general y la originalidad.

Las obras de arte serán calificadas por jueces invitados, quienes otorgarán un premio de 1er,

2do y 3er lugar, así como tres menciones honoríficas para cada categoría de edad.

Se llevará a cabo una recepción en el Centro Comunitario de Goleta el jueves 25 de septiembre de 5:30 a 7:00 p.m. Todos los participantes, junto con los miembros de la comunidad, están invitados a asistir.

Las obras de arte permanecerán en exhibición para que la comunidad las disfrute hasta el viernes 10 de octubre.

Las presentaciones deben recogerse en el Centro Comunitario Goleta durante los siguientes días y horarios: miércoles 15, 22 y 29 de octubre de 2:00 a 4:00 p.m. en el Senior Lounge, así como el sábado 18 de octubre de 11:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m. en el comedor.

Las obras de arte enviadas pueden usarse en futuros esfuerzos de marketing. Se proporcionará una exención en el momento de la entrega. Los artistas tienen la opción de participar sin firmar una renuncia.

¡Esperamos ver cómo la creatividad de nuestra comunidad cobra vida para honrar a Goleta la Buena Tierra!

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