Author: KEYT

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – After years of seeing thousands show up for out of control parting in Isla Vista, the County Board of Supervisors will be using a new ordinance change to quiet it down and make it less attractive to out of towners.

It is known as Deltopia. It started as Floatopia in the water, then after a beach ban, ended up on Del Playa Drive.

A ban on amplified music means if it can be heard from the sidewalk it is a violation.

The county heard some staggering numbers from the Sheriff’s department including costs of $465,000 in overtime from 2023 to 2025 for the Sheriff and Fire departments.  From 2010 to 2025 the costs have been over $1 million.

There are also associated costs for the University Police, American Medical Response (AMR) and clean up efforts.

Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital spoke at the Board of Supervisors meeting saying it has had a full or overflowing emergency room from the calls for medical needs coming from the event.

The impacts on the hospital and transport services have been beyond any normal weekend significantly.

Sheriff’s Lt. Joe Schmidt made the presentation with photos, financial impacts and statistics that included injuries and deaths.  He personally has been part of the response teams for years, including making rescues when someone goes 40-feet off the bluffs.

The UC Santa Barbara Associated Students has been working on solutions and providing funding for alternative events as part of a pivot on the event towards a more sanctioned and controlled scene.

The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) has also favored a more collaborative festival using parks and sites off of Del Playa Drive with security, food set ups, music, restrooms, and a more inclusive schedule for the community. A meeting on that plan will take place in Isla Vista at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 20th.

County Supervisors were firm in their concerns about unsafe bluff top and patio parties that were over crowded and uncontrolled gatherings that have been difficult to measure or break up when there are safety issues or medical calls.

Supervisors Laura Capps and Joan Hartmann both recall talking to parents after fatal incidents over the years in Isla Vista as they stressed the safety priority.

There was also an alert about the ineffective use of cell phones when the crowd use overwhelms the towers making 911 calls sometimes impossible.

Student leaders were credited with their work on a solution and their presentations at town hall meetings and to the county leaders.

IVCSD President Spencer Brandt said he met with San Luis Obispo officials to find out how St. Patrick’s Day events were controlled using rules and alternative activities that were supported by the community and some of what made that plan work, is being used in Isla Vista going forward.

(More details, photos and video will be added here later today.)

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Renters and landlords packed a marathon meeting that resulted in a 4-3 votes to pass an ordinance to establish a temporary rent increase moratorium and a Just Cause Eviction code update.

Santa Barbara City Council member Meagan Harmon made the motions.

“The ordinance will become effective in 30 days, it is just a temporary rent freeze during this interim period while we move forward to develop a rent stabilization ordinance,” said Harmon,” one thing to note is that there is a rollback date that increases are not allowed as of December 16th, so even though it becomes effective in a month, it goes back to Dec. 16.”

It’s was proposed to stop a rush of rent increases while the city works on a program.

“It is really just about stabilizing and sort of maintaining the state of play as it currently exists, while we go forward and develop this program, it is not about setting a permanent rent freeze or stopping increases forever, it is just about stabilizing the here and now, while we develop this program together,” said Harmon.

Mayor Randy Rowse , Council member and Mayoral candidate Eric Friedman and Council member Mike Jordan were not swayed by more than three hours of mostly supportive comments.

Many critics of interfering in the free market agreed with the no votes.

“We have 3 city council members that are renters, they are going to benefit by this vote,” said Mike Stoker, a former Santa Barbara County Supervisor who works with the nonprofit Santa Barbara Taxpayers Advocacy Center.

Another speaker thought they should recuse themselves and another asked if any council members were landlords.

None of them currently rent out property.

Council member Wendy Santamaria reminded the crowd that this does not apply to single family homes or Section 8 housing.

Supporters are pleased, although many including Stanley Tzankov, with the Tenants Union and CAUSE, recognized a 5th yes vote would have made it an urgent ordinance.

“I wish they would have acted with urgency because people are hurting and I guess this is better than the alternative but we need to get something good to protect tenants and stabilize rents,” said Tzankov.

Emily Pelstring said she supported the yes votes even though she plans to move in about six months due to her high studio rent.

“When you are paying into rent it is not going into any investment,” said Pelstring, ” and property values in Santa Barbara always continue to go up, you are sinking away a good portion of your money to live an area where you work.”

In July, the council plans to consider a permanent rent stabilization program that the city staff was asked to work on following a presentation on Dec. 16, 2025.

Rent stabilization or control is likely to be a hot topic during the upcoming mayors race. 

The agenda’s first recommendation that passed included the introduction and adoption of an emergency ordinance that establishes a temporary rent increase moratorium during the preparation, consideration and potential adoption of a permanent rent stabilization program.

The second item that passed included the adoption of an amendment to the Santa Barbara Municipal Code relating to additional requirements for Just Cause Evictions for the purpose of removing rental units from the market

For more information visit, https://santabarbaraca.gov

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Boys & Girls Clubs Of Mid Central Coast is celebrating its 60th anniversary of service to kids and their families.

An open-house “birthday party” was held at the north Santa Maria location on Railroad Avenue Tuesday night, complete with refreshments, alumni presentations, and tours of the clubhouse.

City leaders, alumni and their parents say they are grateful for the club’s services over multiple generations.

Awards were given at the party to 2025’s honorees for both the ‘Lifetime Giving Award’ and the ‘Jeremiah Milbank Society’ Awards.

“We are going to be recognizing our staff as well,” says Maria Fabula, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs Mid Central Coast. “So we have three staff who just completed five years here at the club, and then we have two staff who have completed 25 years and one staff who has completed 35 years at the club. So really celebrating what they’ve given to this organization and to the community.”

Residents interested in the services for children and families available at the Boys & Girls Clubs can check their website by clicking here.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Actress Kate Hudson has been added to the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival lineup to receive the 2026 Arlington Artist of the Year Award.

On Friday, February 13th, a special in-person tribute will be held to honor Hudson with the award, to highlight both her impressive career and her performance in her latest film, Song Sung Blue.

Starring alongside Hugh Jackman, Hudson has received nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a SAG Actor Award for her role.

“We fell in love with her in Almost Famous more than 25 years ago and have loved her ever since. We were ecstatic to see Ms. Hudson in a role worthy of her talents in SONG SUNG BLUE. It’s a career redefining performance, and she knocks it out of the park!” said SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling.

The Arlington Artist of the Year Award is named after one of the most historic and iconic buildings in Santa Barbara. Kate Hudson will receive her award at 8:00pm on Friday, February 13th.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Two arrests were made in Santa Maria last night and follow-up warrants seized firearms from the detainees’ residence.

Just before 9:00pm Monday night, Santa Maria police officers responded to tips that a subject with a felony Ramey warrant was spotted at The Pantry, a popular restaurant on Broadway.

Officers were able to take Pedro David Vasquez into custody with reportedly little to no incident.

Subsequent to the arrest, a rollback search warrant was served at his residence, where teams located two illegal ghost guns, 2 P80 lowers, a large amount of ammunition, and evidence of firearm manufacturing.

Vasquez’s apparent roommate, Rodrigo Cervantes-Ramos, was also arrested as a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Both subjects were booked at the northern branch jail.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A Santa Maria man who was saved through a blood donation two years ago is returning the favor by donating blood himself as much as possible.

Cedric Beaty, a married father of five and Navy veteran, is sharing his story to help promote the importance of blood donation, as well as inspire others to participate in the upcoming 8th Annual News Channel 3-11-12 MLK Day of Service Blood Drive, which is held in partnership with Vitalant.

In 2023, Beaty endured life-threatening complications following what was suppose to be a routine colonoscopy.

Soon after the procedure, Beaty experienced severe bleeding that required an emergency trip to the hosptial.

“There was kind of like this empty look in my eyes, like, maybe like the like the lights are about to turn out or something like that,” said Beaty. “I think I passed out, but before that I could hear somebody talking about getting some blood here because you’re going to need it.”

Beaty quickly underwent surgery and received an unknown amount of blood during the operation.

“I woke up and the guy who repaired everything for the colonoscopy, he said, you’re lucky they got blood for you,” said Beaty. “He told me, ‘you know what happened?’ Basically what happened is there were some large polyps in my colon, and (the doctor) was supposed to cauterize them to make sure that he didn’t bleed, but he didn’t cauterize them properly.”

Two years later, Beaty is completely healed and spreading the message how important blood donation has meant to his life and why people should consider donating if they can.

“If it wasn’t for the transfusion and getting that blood when I needed it, then I don’t even know if I’d be here right now,” said Beaty. “For me, that is my main motivation for giving blood because who knows who needs it?”

Beaty is now blood donor himself, something he said actually began when he was in the military.

“For me it’s a remarkable feeling to give back, you know, what was so graciously and so unselfishly given to me to give back to somebody I’m probably not even going to meet in real life,” said Beaty. “I’ve always thought that life was precious, but now I understand that this is one shot, your one shot to do the most good that you possibly can. I try to do everything to the best of my ability. I try to donate here when I can. It’s my one shot to do what I possibly can for the good of others, not just for the good of my own self.”  

The News Channel 3-11-12 MLK Day of Service Blood Drive will be held next week in an effort to help boost local supply levels.

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

All of the donation sites will be held the the Elks Lodge in all three cities.

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

“Just one donation, one whole blood donation can save up to three lives,” said Beau Mercurio, Vitalant Account Manager. “It’s fairly simple. It takes about 30 minutes, 40 minutes for the whole process to come in and donate, and you’re helping patients that are struggling with cancer and trauma patients, and organ transplants, so many different surgeries that people need blood for and transfusions for. It’s just really important to get in there and donate.”

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

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Volunteers at Hope School District are adjusting to a new rule before stepping on campus.

Senate Bill 848 requires all volunteers to complete mandated reporter training.

Lilly Josenhans of Vieja Valley School in Santa Barbara has already completed the training.

“I was initially surprised I didn’t know what it meant to be a mandated reporter, but looking into it I certainly understand why it could be helpful and again it’s just one more way that we can as a community advocate for our children,” said Josenhans.

The a training teaches adults how to recognize and report child abuse or neglect.

District staff are guiding families through the online program and answering questions about the process.

“They’re required to send me their completed training certificate so I’ve been collecting tons. We have almost 100. We do have a lot of parent volunteers here,” said office manager Chelsea Jopes of Vieja Valley Elementary School.

The new law, which went into effect January 1, applies to all schools, including private schools.

“This law will help to make sure every child is taking care of that. No child ever slips through the cracks,” said Josenhans.

“And let you know if anything were to come up with someone did Phil they need to report then that would be a reported and taken care of,” said Jopes.

The new requirement aims to ensure every volunteer is prepared to act if a child needs help.

Volunteers still may need a tuberculosis risk assessment under existing state health rules, but SB 848 itself does not add a new TB test requirement.Volunteers at Hope School District now face a new requirement before helping at schools.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Harry’s Plaza Cafe was packed with student-athletes as the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table luncheon returned after several weeks off for winter break.

Five awards were handed out at the luncheon.

San Marcos High School girls water polo star Charlotte Raisin is the Female Athlete of the Week while Dos Pueblos High School senior guard Evan Pinsker is the Male Athlete of the Week.

Raisin scored 17 goals to lead the Royals to a fifth place finish in the prestigious Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions.

(The USC-bound senior Raisin led all players at the tournament in goals but also drew 12 exclusions and had close to 10 assists as the Royals went 3-1 in the tournament).

Pinsker drilled seven 3-pointers and had 26 points in a dramatic two-point win over crosstown rival San Marcos, the Chargers first victory over the Royals since 2017.

(Pinsker totaled 66 points in three games during the week).

Over the winter break Carpinteria High School basketball player Jamaica Cook and Cate High School soccer player George Marin earned Athlete of the Week honors.

Cook recorded three double-doubles for the Warriors girls basketball team including a 15 point, 22 rebound performance.

Marin scored a total of 8 goals in two wins for the Rams.

Carpinteria High School honored senior Vivian Huskins as the Warriors Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

(Huskins with award sponsor Marc Gamberdella)

She carries a 4.8 GPA and excels in soccer, track and field and also does cheer for the Warriors.

At the Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table luncheon at Giovanni’s in Orcutt, three awards were given to student-athletes.

Santa Ynez High School boys basketball player Lucal Ollenburger, Santa Ynez girls soccer player Hannah Ricci and Santa Maria High School boys basketball player Jordan Medina all were honored.

Ollenburger averaged 15 points for the week, Ricci scored goals in three straight games and Medina tallied 50 points on a school-record 13 three-pointers in a game in December.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) The Santa Barbara County Water Agency is hosting its 27th Annual Waterwise High School Video Contest.

This years theme is “Grow Beyond the Grass: Replace Your Lawn to Save Water, Support Nature and Keep Yards Cool.”

The lengthy theme was selected to highlight the importance of sustainable outdoor water use and the benefits of transitioning away from thirsty lawns.

The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department Public Information Officer Lael Wageneck said students are encouraged to enter 30-second videos in English or Spanish.

“The Santa Barbara County water agency works with different donors to provide cash prizes to the schools and the students and so it is great that the students can do something creative and is both a benefit to community by promoting conservation and there is a little prize with it,” said Wageneck.

Prizes range from $150-$500 for student awards and $300-$1,000 for school awards.

Sponsors include Corollo Engineers, La Buena 105.1 FM, Geosyntec, Enviroscaping and Dudek.

The recent rainfall may have washed drought worries away, but Wageneck said that doesn’t mean people should relax their conservation efforts.

“While Cachuma is spilling right now it is important to conserve water all year and every year because Cachuma spilled in 2011 and by 2016 it was down to 6 percent capacity so even though we have a lot of water right now without five years we could be back down to single digits so it is important that people conserve water and that is why this contest is so important because it supports conserving all year,” said Wageneck.

Wageneck conserves water at home by have drought tolerant plants and an artificial lawn.

He said he also takes quick showers and turns the tap off while brushing his teeth.

Some of those concepts have been promoted in past contests.

Past winners include students from Dos Pueblos High, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and Pioneer Valley High School.

The videos included animation, musicals, parodies, mysteries and thrillers.

When the contest first began students used VHS tapes, now they can use their iPhones and edit on their phones or laptops.

Organizers hope more schools and students will enter this year.

The winning vidoes are likely to be shown in local movie theaters before films and on local TV, and video monitors at gas stations.

Students may find a link to application packets, award winning videos examples, and a how-to-video by logging onto, https://waterwisesb.org.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. March 6th.

Winners will be announced in the Spring.

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News Channel 3-12

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – On Thursday, Your News Channel will invite State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson and former Santa Barbara City Councilman Dale Francisco in what is anticipated to be a heated discussion on recent world events.

The two will represent both sides of the political discussion on topics such as the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and U.S. involvement in Venezuela, immigration crackdowns and protests across the country, and Trump pushing for U.S. acquisition of Greenland.

Tell us what you think in the chat box above.

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