Mike Klan
SANTA YNEZ, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Pirates came so close to extending this championship boys volleyball season.
But the Pirates lost a heartbreaker to Clairemont of San Diego in a home five-set CIF-State Division 3 Regional Semifinal.
The Pirates fell 20-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25-19, 13-15.
Santa Ynez won the CIF-Central Section Division 2 championship last week and finishes the season 22-4.
John Palminteri
CARPINTERIA, Calif. – The newest shopping and dining area on the South Coast has opened in Carpinteria with Linden Square.
The project replaces a closed hardware store, small shops and a liquor store from Seventh Street to Eight Street in the heart of town.
Linden Square Co-Owner and Developer Terry Huggins said he started the project concept by getting to know the town, the people, the history and designs that would be a good fit. There is also an economic boost that will significantly help the city. “I would guess that we’re going to be adding at least $600,000 a year to the city’s coffers in the sales tax, maybe higher, and it’ll certainly go up as as the businesses ramp up, the sales.”
Some of the businesses are open and some are finishing their construction and finalizing permits.
Kris Parker at Third Window Brewing is bringing his popular Haley Street concept in Santa Barbara to Carpinteria, with the bar and many tables facing the street. They filled up fast. “The venue itself is incredible. Yes, it is. It’s a great courtyard. How close it is to the beach to the sea breeze. It’s pretty unbelievable”.
Thursday afternoon it was full of customers enjoying their menu items including some chicken wings that were coming from a smoker on site. Third Window has 27 taps at its bar.
During the opening events and ribbon cutting, Terry Hickey Banks spoke. Her family owned the property. The history was reflected in a piece of art she held up. “This photograph (art) of the original Hickey Brothers General Merchandise store was right here in Carpinteria in the late 1800’s.” The painting was done by John Wullbrandt an honored Carpinteria artist when he was in high school more than 50 years ago.
Huggins of Anacapa Development and Matt LaBrie are the first new owners of the Linden Plaza property in 128 years, taking over from the Hickey Banks Family Trust.
Checking out the various businesses and designs, Deborah Picard said, “it totally fits into Carpinteria in my opinion with the natural organic materials and the flooring. And it’s just beautiful. It’s definitely a beachy vibe.”
IKatz and Pearls store owner Janet Tanzman said, “I think like they’ll draw more people, which is good for all our other businesses. We have a local business.”
The project is seven blocks from the beach. “It’s a gathering place that captures Caprinteria’s iconic coastal vibe and small-town charm,” says LaBrie.
A corner spot features Channel Islands Surfboards with the top of the line boards made in a manufacturing site around the corner.
Britt Merrick said, “we’ve got everything from, ten-foot nose riders down to high performance fishes like this and high performance surfboards made for the best waves in the world. “It’s a rich surf culture and lifestyle here. And, you know, it’s just such a beautiful place. I think businesses are going to thrive here.” Merrick said he was born in Carpinteria and is happy to be open with his surfboards for sale in the city.
Music in the courtyard is going to be a regular soundtrack for those dining and lounging inside or out.
Local artist Benjamin Anderson’s massive mural honors the natural habitat and wildlife in and around Carpinteria. The six panels on the south side of the building each represent one aspect of Carpinteria’s natural habitat and its animals.
For more information go to: Linden Square
A news release says the Linden Square tenants include:
Tina’s:
Tina’s is the little sister restaurant of Bettina in Montecito. With the same naturally leavened crust and creative, thoughtfully sourced toppings, it’s the perfect spot to grab a pizza, salad, and a bottle of wine for enjoying in the courtyard on Linden Ave, at the beach, or for takeaway at home. In addition, Tina’s has a lovely provision shop featuring their meticulously made condiments and sauces, grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, Italian specialty items and a wide assortment of consciously produced organic, biodynamic and natural wines. Come enjoy their delicious simplicity, warm hospitality and the sense of community they’ve come to be known for at Bettina.
Dart’s Coffee:
Erika Carter and David Dart bring their touted Santa Barbara coffee to Carpinteria. It’s coffee to be enjoyed and felt good about – with ethical craft-roasted, sourcing only the finest organic, fair-trade coffee beans from small-lot indigenous farmers. They are passionate about their craft and giving back. A percentage of every bean sold will help sustain artist studios in Santa Barbara’s diverse art districts.
Corazon Cocina:
While growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, Chef Ramon Velazquez’s mother and grandmother taught him how to make traditional Mexican dishes. Now, he creates these meals, inspired by local markets that are traditional but also innovative, using out-of-the-box ideas to keep diners on their toes. Favorites include the cheesy, griddled taco piled with grilled octopus, white shrimp, and avocado.
Channel Island Surfboards:
Nothing is more quintessentially Central Coast than this! Channel Island Surfboards was founded in 1969 by Al and Terry Merrick in Santa Barbara and has become a leading brand in the surf industry. It is known for its innovative designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and providing surfers worldwide with equipment that enhances performance across all wave conditions. Locals and visitors alike will love the proximity to shopping the diverse range of models catering to various surfing styles and conditions.
Olada Yoga and Pilates:
This locally owned and operated establishment welcomes residents to join a community committed to cultivating joy, connection, and well-being. The studio offers a variety of yoga and reformer pilates classes and a boutique shopping experience in an exquisitely curated environment.
Third Window Brewing Co. :
Settle in and enjoy a beer from this Santa Barbara-based brewery committed to “the cultivation of local ingredients, our community, and each other.” The diverse menu of delicious food and extensive beer selection makes it the perfect spot for a laid-back Saturday afternoon. Whether craving a crisp lager, a rich stout, or something in between, their brews have it covered.
MĀCHER:
Hailing from Goleta, with their love of community, owners Lex and Josh created MĀCHER, a small local shop for locals, supporting small-batch artisans and makers from all disciplines. It holds a mix of thoughtful gifts and a curated selection of beautiful, functional, and sustainably made home, baby, and beach goods. This second store, in Carpinteria, continues to inspire gatherings through inviting spaces, beautiful table spreads, and deepening relationships.
The Shopkeepers:
This popular Santa Barbara Funk Zone store features diverse goods for men and women, including apparel, accessories, home decor, art, and lifestyle products. “Curious Good for Curious People” – enjoy shopping that does not disappoint!
Ryder Christ
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – More than 1,000 people came together Thursday evening at a candlelight vigil to honor three Dos Pueblos High School students who were tragically killed in a head-on crash on Highway 1.
“You are not alone in this truth, you are not alone in this,” said Principal Bill Woodard, addressing the silent crowd with visible emotion. “To the boys’ families and closest friends — we are here with you. Your pain is our pain, and your sons will always be a part of the Dos Pueblos community.”
The victims — 18-year-old Jake Curtis of Goleta, 17-year-old Michael Ochsner, and 15-year-old Alexander Wood, both of Santa Barbara — worked together in the county’s Junior Lifeguard Program and had spent Sunday at Jalama Beach before the deadly crash.
The Greek Theatre at the school was filled with candlelight, tears, and heartfelt tributes. More than a dozen of the boys’ friends and family members spoke.
“Beautiful ceremony tonight. We are a community that lifts each other up. Much love to the friends and families,” the school wrote in an Instagram post.
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Jarrod Zinn
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Allan Hancock College held its commencement ceremony Friday morning for the class of 2025.
Some graduates carry with them some incredible stories.
The 104th graduating class crossed the stage Friday morning to receive their Associates’ degrees.
Families and friends gathered on the college’s football field in beautiful conditions to honor 2025’s graduating class.
“I feel really excited,” says featured graduate Samantha McDonald. It’s almost kind of surreal that this is happening. I started when I was 13 years old and now I just turned 18 and I’m graduating from college.”
Among the graduates highlighted by the college are Samantha McDonald, who just celebrated her 18th birthday on Tuesday, and Josie Mora who had the unique privilege of graduating simultaneously with her daughter.
“Most of the students are younger and with her by my side it made me feel more comfortable,” says Josie Mora, who is graduating with a psychology degree for transfer. “And it’s exciting that we’re graduating together.”
“I’m very proud of her,” says Josie’s daughter and co-graduate Mayra Campa. “She’s helped me through a lot. She’s been my support but I’m glad I managed to support her. I’m very happy with her accomplishments.”
President Kevin Walthers began the ceremony by commenting on the positive “problem” of having too many graduates.
This year, 1,287 graduates are taking home 2,491 degrees and 3,110 certificates of achievement across 116 majors.
“My word of advice is to not let your age stop you from doing what you want to do, even though I was only 13, today, I’ll be graduating with five degrees,” says McDonald.
College officials say one student crossed the stage today having achieved no less than twelve degrees, a testament to perseverance and seizing opportunity.
Dave Alley
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – One of the biggest yearly events held in Santa Maria rolls into the city today with the arrival of hundreds of cars that are part the 44th Annual West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals.
The popular car show features one-of-a-kind customized cars and will run Friday through Sunday.
Held each Memorial Day weekend, the show attracts hundreds of entries, as well as thousands of visitors to the city.
“We expect to be 800 cars at least registered for the show,” said Randy Bond, West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals representative. “This show is known for custom cars. Custom cars are are any car that has had extensive body modifications to change the the look of them and every one of these cars are considered extreme custom cars. People from all over the world literally bring their custom cars to this show to debut them to the rest of the world, so this show is known for, the greatest custom cars in the world.”
Over the next few days, customized cars will be seen driving all over the city, especially along the busy Broadway corridor around the Historic Santa Maria Inn, which serves as the official host site.
One of the most popular events in the car show is the Friday night cruise along Broadway, which begins at 7 p.m. and is free for spectators to attend.
On Friday morning, several blocks of Broadway were already filled with chairs along the sidewalk as spectators arrived early to save a spot for the show.
“We flew in from Colorado yesterday and got up early this morning to come down here to get seats,” said David Valdez, visiting from Lakewood, Colorado. “I think this is the best show in the country. I love it. I love looking at customs. I think they’re the prettiest cars you could build.”
Over the weekend, the model car show will be held at the Santa Maria Fairpark, where spectators will be able to see all of the cars up close and personal.
An entry fee is required for the model car show, which runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information on the West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals, click here to visit the official website for the event.
Jarrod Zinn
SANTA YNEZ, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Valley is home to a new museum celebrating the Chumash tribe.
The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center opened its doors to the public one week ago.
“My reaction is to have so much joy and excitement,” says Nakia Zavala, Santa Ynez Museum Vice Chair. “And really, it’s the ability to tell our story. I think that’s really important.”
It’s been a long time in the works, and anticipation has been high for the staff as much as the public.
“I was in town for a conference, and I’ve been waiting for so long for the museum to open up,” says Alexandra McCleary, who is visiting from her home in Rancho Cucamonga. “I’m really looking forward to seeing it and visiting it.”
As of May 15th, anyone can visit to observe the artifacts and creations.
“A lot of thought went into the layout of this museum,” says Zavala. “We wanted to make sure that the museum would look like you were up in their local mountains, walking around and you’re able to interact with native plants. And we identify them through our Samala language as well as their English word.”
The gardens are home to native plant species that have been preserved, as well as beautiful water features made from reclaimed water sources in a sustainable and culturally relevant immersive environment.
“The attention to detail is absolutely amazing. I feel like I’ve learned a tremendous amount and love hearing the language spoken as well. I love that,” says McCleary.
The recreated “aps,” which are dome-shaped shelters used by the Chumash, and the museum’s layout, were designed by renowned architect Johnpaul Jones.
Collectors and artisans donated many of the artifacts on display, and one object on temporary display was found on site during construction.
“It’s a stone bowl, and it was found here on site as they were preparing the land for this museum. And we were able to collect it and archive it and curate it for this presentation,” says Zavala.
The center looks forward to welcoming field trips from schools in the area starting this fall.
To learn more about the museum’s hours of operation and admission prices, be sure to visit the museum’s website here.
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is seeing an uptick in the number of coyote pups coming into care this year.
The center generally gets up to two coyotes a year.
But this year, they have received nine coyote pups brought to the center.
Calls are coming from other centers with requests to take more coyote pups.
Animal experts can not speculate as to why there is an increase this year. They will rely on survey and biologist reports to give more insight when they are available.
In general, coyotes are a pivotal part of the ecosystem, controlling rodent and small mammal populations. They also eat carrion, the dead and decaying flesh of an animal.
The center encourages members of the public to keep cats indoors and keep dogs on 6″ (or less) leash lengths to reduce any conflicts between coyotes and pets.
They say it’s important to respect the role of coyotes in the environment and are encouraged that people call to help coyotes when they are in distress.
Mike Klan
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. –
CIF-Southern Section Quarterfinals:
Division 3:
Westlake 4, Mission Viejo 0 (Westlake vs Kennedy in semifinal Saturday)
Division 4:
Harvard-Westlake 12, Dos Pueblos 9
Division 5:
St. Bonaventure 17, Patriot 3 (St. Bonaventure vs JW North in semifinal on Saturday)
Division 8:
Hueneme 12, Calvary Chapel/Downey 2 (Hueneme vs Calvary Baptist in semifinal on Saturday)
Mike Klan
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. –
CIF-Central Section quarterfinals:
Division 1:
St. Joseph 2, Redwood 1 (SJ at Buchanan on Friday in semifinal)
Division 2:
Ridgeview 2, Lompoc 0
Washington Union 5, Arroyo Grande 1
Kingsburg 4, Paso Robles 3
Division 3:
Morro Bay 10, Mission Oak 3 (MB hosts Hoover Friday in semifinal)
Division 4:
Pioneer Valley 1, Reedley 0 (PV hosts Wasco on Friday in semifinal)
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-The California Highway Patrol CHP said maximum enforcement runs Friday at 6p.m. until Monday at midnight.
CHP spokesperson Jonathan Gutierrez said in the wake of recent fatal accidents it is worth reminding people to do everything they can to make it a safe weekend on busy road.
Chris Olvera, the AAA Santa Barbara and Lompoc Branch Manager, said about Memorial Day weekend travel is expected to be up at least 3 percent.
It appears more people are choosing to taking road trips rather than fly to destinations with new Real ID requirements.
Now is the time make sure your car, and RV are in good condition.
Olvera said people are welcome to stop by the newly remodeled office on State Street in Santa Barbara.
The branch is one of the third in AAA history in California.
This week is already part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign nationwide.
The California Highway Patrol said smart choices also include driving sober and staying alert.
They recommend designating a driver whenever one may be needed or find alternative transportation.
The CHP tracks accidents over the holiday period and wants people to get to and from their holiday safely.
More than half the people killed in car accidents last Memorial Day weekend in the CHP’s patrol area were not wearing seat belts.
They don’t mind reminding people or even nagging if it saves lives.
Drivers are likely to see buckle up messaging on freeway signs.
Sandie Wilkes is looking forward to a road trip to Lake Nacimiento.
She said her kids and grandchildren aren’t going on this trip, but always offers them good advice.
For more information visit https://www.chp.ca.gov
And for American Automobile Association information visit https://ace.aaa.com
