Author: KEYT

John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A small town celebration of the avocado that began 40 years ago has turned in to one of the most successful festivals on the Central Coast.

The California Avocado Festival released its poster Thursday afternoon and announced a schedule of events, entertainment, vendors and the charities it supports.

This year’s festival runs October 2-4 on Linden Ave. in downtown Carpinteria. Over 75,000 will be expected over the three days.

The event is free.

The festival is known for its music. There will be approximately 60 bands on four stages, including many of the most popular local and youth bands.

Two of the highlighted events will be the strong arm competition and the World Championship of guacamole.

There will also be a featured tent for the Avocado Commission and the students in the Carpinteria Future Farmers of America based at Carpinteria High School which receives a festival donation along with the Carpinteria Education Fund.

The street will also have numerous food booths, featuring meals with some kind of avocado ingredient.

A contest for artists to create this years poster took place earlier this summer. The winner came from New Mexico and it was 24 yer old Elektra Caffery.

Festival President Gary Dobbins and Event Director Olivia Sorgman revealed it at a special vendor stand in front of a crowd of citizens and community leaders. There will now be a sale of t-shirts and other merchandise leading up to the festival and a large sales area during the event where many items featuring the posters image will be available.

This year a 35-foot tall Ferris wheel will be in place on Linden Avenue near the kids zone. Free rides will be available for children five years old and under as a donation from the owners of the Palms building which is going through a renovation nearby and once had a famous local restaurant for over 100 years.

This is also a zero waste festival with on site recycling.

Shuttle services and off site parking from nearby lots will be available to bring guests into the downtown area.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Multiple organizations—and a touch of unexpected weather—brought “Showers and blessings” to local residents experiencing homelessness in Santa Maria.

A few organizations are now independently congregating regularly to provide services to homeless residents.

Other charitable enterprises have begun recognizing the impact good samaritan’s regular outreach here in the salvation army parking lot off cook street has had, and have been joining them of their own accord.

Good Samaritan has been growing its outreach efforts to the homeless for nearly forty years.

“We have taken this corner from being a single trailer to having a whole team of volunteers that work with the community,” says Linda Black, who volunteers with Crestwood Church’s “Showers & Blessings” team.

When the Fire Department issued its red flag warning for parts of Santa Barbara County due to hot and dry conditions on Monday, Good Samaritan deployed its outreach teams under cooling protocol.

“Usually when we do our cooling outreach is when it’s above 85 degrees,” says Jesus Cortes, an outreach staff member for Good Samaritan Shelter.

Thursday morning, skies remained gray after sunrise, and a light rain fell during the morning hours.

“Honestly, it hasn’t really affected us that much on what we’re doing,” says Cortes. “Regardless of the weather, we always go out and try to connect with our community members out there that need services.”

The non-profit brought bottled water, electrolytes, cooling blankets, aloe vera and sunscreen products to the homeless as always.

CHC Mobile Clinics was also there in an independent but coinciding effort to provide medical services.

“It just becomes a very good collaborative where we work independently, but at the same time together to help the same patient population,” says Jose Guzman, director of outreach services for Community Health Centers of the Central Coast.

And Crestwood Church’s ‘Showers And Blessings’ team were there as well.

“We sit there and man the trailer and provide showers,” says Black.

“I am one of the homeless, and, they’ve helped me out so much,” says Jimmy Lopez, who is currently experiencing homelessness in Santa Maria. “I volunteer. They take care of me.”

Separate teams from different entities collectively provided a myriad of essential services to unhoused residents in need.

Staff and clients say experiencing homelessness is uncomfortable, no matter what the weather is doing.

“I woke up this morning, I told my girlfriend it’s going to rain,” says Lopez, laughing. “She goes, ‘no it’s not.’ It rained.”

Good Samaritan staff says the organization’s overall outreach efforts to those experiencing homelessness occur on a daily basis, rain or shine.

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Patricia Martellotti

MONTECITO, Calif. (KEYT) – A near-total lunar eclipse is giving Santa Barbara area skywatchers a reason to look up as Westmont Observatory opens to the public for the nighttime event.

Nearly all of the moon will move into Earth’s shadow, with the eclipse expected to reach about 96 percent coverage.

As Earth blocks the sunlight normally reaching the moon, its surface could take on a reddish color, creating what is commonly known as a blood moon.

Physicist Kenneth Kihlstrom explained how the observatory’s telescope will help visitors follow the eclipse.

“It’s all computer controlled. We just tell it where to point and it moves it,” Kihlstrom said.

The reddish appearance happens as some sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the moon.

“When you’re in the total shadow of the Earth, it’s like you’re seeing the sunsets from all around the Earth,” Kihlstrom said.

Astronomy enthusiast Tom Giles has watched lunar eclipses from several parts of the country and views the event as a chance to experience something beyond everyday life.

“The lunar eclipse is fun because you’re actually seeing nature,” Giles said. “It’s exciting because it’s Mother Nature putting on a show, something that humans can’t duplicate.”

Physicists and astronomy enthusiasts will be on hand to help visitors get a closer look and better understand what is happening in the night sky.

“Half the world can see it because if it’s nighttime, you can see the moon, you can see the eclipse,” Kihlstrom said.

The eclipse is expected to peak around 9:13 p.m.

The gathering gives the community a chance to watch the eclipse together under the night sky.

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Dave Alley

GROVER BEACH, Calif. (KEYT) – The Grover Beach City Council received a draft report this week detailing the city’s water supplies that highlights current and future needs.

The Long-Term Water Supply Study was conducted by independent water experts and indicated existing water supplies for Grover Beach are expected to meet community needs in the near term.

However, the study also found a new supplemental water source need to be determined to meet future demands over the long-term.

Grover Beach currently relies on two water sources, a total water entitlement of 2,207 acre feet per year (AFY) between Lopez Lake (800 AFY) and the Groundwater Basin (1,407 AFY).

The City said factors including climate change, drought and potential future environmental regulations affecting Lopez Lake could make the availability of these sources less predictable over time.

Using various scenarios based on current and potential future vulnerabilities, the study determined Grover Beach would see an initial gap of 15 AFY occurring in the third year of a 30-year forecast, and a potential gap of up to 471 AFY over the 30-year period.

Due to these potential shortfalls, the report indicated the importance for Grover Beach to secure additional water supply over a 30-year period to meet current demands and projected growth.

To meet future demands and bridge the potential shortfalls, the study evaluated three primary options for obtaining a supplemental water: local or regional water purchase, State Water Project purchase, and recycled water for indirect potable reuse.

“Identifying our future water needs early allows us to take thoughtful and measured steps to protect our future and ensure our residents and businesses will always have a safe and dependable water supply,” said Grover Beach Mayor Kassi Dee said in a release. “Thanks to thoughtful prior planning and stewardship, Grover Beach can tackle our long-term water needs from a position of strength.”

Following the presentation during the Aug. 24 City Council meeting, council members directed staff, as well its consultant, Confluence Engineering Solutions, to conduct further analysis of the three leading options for supplemental water for the final report.  

The City said in a release the final report of the Long-Term Water Supply Study, including recommendations for next steps, is expected by late 2026 with implementation beginning in 2027.

“Our focus moving forward will be determining the most cost-effective and reliable options to close these projected supply gaps in the coming years,” Grover Beach City Manager Matthew Bronson said in a release. “Pending Council direction over the next year, we will explore partnerships and funding opportunities to ensure Grover Beach has a resilient water supply to meet our community needs.”

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) It isn’t easy to beat the heat when the temperatures feel like they are breaking records.

For those working outdoors or in greenhouses at Gallup & Stribling Orchids there is no escaping it.

“It is very hot, we get to double the amount of water, fans are running, lots of energy costs, we are doing everything we can to cool the crops down, just like humans we get uncomfortable, the plants aren’t comfortable either,” said Alex Van Wingerden.

One surfer along the coast complained about his car’s air-conditioning.

“My vents don’t work on the air conditioner definitely can’t wait to jump in the ocean.” said Loren Luyendyk.

Some college students headed to the beach after class.

While Wet Wednesday sailors raced offshore, Wednesday Night Moves swimmers and runners arrived at Leadbetter Beach.

“I am going to go with it and see where it takes me and keep from getting dehydrated,” said avid runner Barry Malony

“It is probably our warmest day of the year, but it is sweet down here we have a little bit of that cool ocean breeze, even though it is as warm as it is, it is really nice down here at he beach, it is our last Night Moves of the year so we are looking for a big night,” said Wednesday Night Moves owner Jay Campbell.

The weekly summer event begins with an ocean swim or aquathon, for those who run, too.

Lifeguards said the the ocean temperatures was 69.

Some swimmers said they didn’t need wetsuits, but they help with buoyancy.

The run follows with a 5K or 1K course.

The youngest runners get ribbons, the rest are entered in a raffle.

Most just do it for the fun of it, but many are serious athletes.

Marie Claire Lamb finished strong.

She said she chose to just run this time around.

If you are out in the elements it’s important to pace yourself and hydrate.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Emergency responders who will be called out at all hours in an oil spill emergency are testing their gear and plans to be ready for the next call.

Hundreds of feet of protective “boom” was towed out into the harbor entrance to align it in a way that would keep surface oil out and control the spread or a natural or man made oil mass that could come into the harbor entrance.

Over a thousand boats are inside along with sensitive shallow-water marine life and sea birds.

The drill involved the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol, The Department of Fish and Wildlife agency known as OSPR which is the Office of Spill Prevention and Response, the U.S. Coast Guard and Patriot Environmental Services.

The Santa Barbara Harbor crew trains regularly, but this joint response is needed to create a real life scenario.

Harbor Patrol Lt. Ryan Kelly says the city has an oil response trailer that can be activated quickly but with the other agencies they can coordinate a larger response for a major event. “There is a lot of interdepartmental coordination,” he said.

If there was a call for of a spill, “we would respond with our vehicle tow it out to West Beach and close off the harbor and as everyone was getting together we would coordinate a plan,” said Kelly. “Our response would be from West Beach to the end of the breakwater. We have special hooks to support our booms.”

The larger effort would take place when the mutual aid agencies get on scene.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The new Habitat ReStore has opened with everything from furnishings to tools and yes, even kitchen sinks.

During the last few months, the location on the corner of Gutierrez Street and State Street has been taking in donations.  

The team has been sorting, tagging, and displaying it all in an orderly way.

When the ribbon snapped at a morning ceremony, city and downtown leaders said it will be a way to generate more foot traffic in the 400 block of State Street and help to recharge the area.    

Robin Elander is the Executive Director of the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association. She was checking out the deals and sharing how the store is a good fit. “The retail mix with restaurants a lot of new developments  is going to go a long way to the revitalization of downtown district.”

Elander says it will be a draw for local residents and those from out of the area.

Deals were being brought up to the counter within minutes including doors, desks, light fixtures, chairs, art pieces, appliances and hand tools as low as $1.00.

Chief Executive Officer Jessica de L’Arbre says it will be a place for donations, a place for affordable purchases and a financial stream for the Habitat for Humanity home projects throughout the area.

For those dropping off items, “it could be you are doing a kitchen remodel or you have an old tool,” she said. For buyers, “there’s some high quality stuff.”

The plan took time to sort out but the desire was very high.

“I don’t have the words to describe the level of enthusiasm for this store, from the donors who can’t wait to donate or who have been following up asking when they can shop,” said de L’Arbre.

Many customers picked up items at a fraction of the cost of a major retail or hardware store. By the afternoon numerous items were sold and plans were underway to restock from the many other donations that have come in.

At the counter Liam Murphy with the Hayes Commercial Group had a sturdy work shop light. “It was $15.00. I would guess it would be $70-75 dollars somewhere else.” He had a good feel for the shopping space in the large building. “I did enjoy walking into the back half where they had more tools and building supplies  that smelled like a do it with your hands garage style, which is fun.”

Another shopper said she had a plastic drawer organizer she would share with her dad for his small items. Casandra McCambridge has many beads she works with. “My craft room is very disorganized at the moment and I saw this and thought, this is the time to get organized.”

The ReStore was previously located in Goleta but closed there in 2020.

The store at 400 State Street is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – CommUnify and its board announced the acquisition of a Santa Maria property that will house a new preschool and childcare center.

It’s a new type of acquisition for the real estate firm representing the non-profit.

The sixty-year-old non-profit purchased the former Grace Lutheran Preschool building on East Fesler Street, with plans to transform it into a Head Start preschool.

“The facility that we’ve just purchased will be our 19th Head Start facility here in Santa Barbara County,” says Patricia Keelean, CommUnify’s Chief Executive Officer.

This child care and early education center will serve up to 70 local low-income children and their families. 

“We’re extremely excited about being in Santa Maria and this location in particular,” says Jennifer MacDonald, CommUnify’s Children Services Director.

It will be upgraded with four classrooms, a commercial  kitchen, outdoor  learning space, and two play yards.

“They’ll be renovating what is now a courtyard,” says MacDonald. “We plan on having that be a toddler yard. And in the back of one of these classrooms will have an infant yard as well. And then redevelop the preschool yard. So there’ll be three outdoor classrooms.”

The four indoor classrooms will be divided among infants and toddlers.

“Two preschool classrooms for children, 3 to 5 and two infant toddler classrooms for children three months to three years of age,” says MacDonald.

CommUnify bought the vacant property from Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Santa Maria for $950,000 in a sale that closed at the end of last month.

“At Radius, a lot of the times we’re working with profit driven investors,” says Jack Gilbert, senior associate for Radius Commercial Real Estate working with the Golis team. “And so I think this transaction was a little bit unique in the sense that we’re working with a nonprofit.”

CommUnify is funding the project with a $1.3 million infrastructure grant from the California Department of Social Services, along with a loan from the Low-Income Investment Fund.

“There are still needs that we need to address in order to prepare this site for licensure,” says Keelean.

The organization also plans to  launch a capital campaign this fall.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The 13th Annual Day of Hope fundraiser was held Wednesday across several locations in Northern Santa Barbara County and South San Luis Obispo County.

Starting at 7 a.m., dozens of volunteer teams wearing bright orange vests were seen at numerous intersections, parking lots, and other gathering places to sell special edition $1 Santa Maria Times newspapers.

All of the proceeds brought in during the fundraiser will directly benefit patient services and programs at Mission Hope, which operates two centers – its flagship facility in Santa Maria, and in Arroyo Grande inside the Matthew Will Memorial Medical Center.

“We really appreciate everybody who comes by and donates for Day of Hope,” said past Mission Hope patient James Stoddard, while selling papers for The Rotary Club of Santa Maria. “Those dollars go to work in our local community helping those who are battling cancer.”

Since it was first held in 2014, the Day of Hope has raised over $3.1 million, including $473,000 last year.

“It means a lot,” said cancer survivor Joan Miers, who was also selling papers for The Rotary Club. “It’s very touching. It’s actually very humbling how many people come out. They give money. It’s amazing!”

Teams included volunteers who represented loved ones or friends fighting cancer, businesses, schools, organizations, government, and other various groups.

“It’s awesome,” said Phillip Solis with Team Fidelity at the intersection of Broadway and Betteravia Raod. “It’s part of a huge community event. Unfortunately, we all know somebody that’s been affected by cancer, either personally or through a friend or family member, so it’s great to be out here representing the community, and kind of just helping out with that cause.”

Most of the paper sales took place in Santa Maria and Orcutt, while other locations were in Lompoc, Guadalupe, Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and Pismo Beach.

Dignity Health said this year, 12,000 newspapers were printed and sold throughout all the locations.

Donations to the 13th Annual Day of Hope can be made online through Sept. 18 by clicking here to access the official Day of Hope website.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – As temperatures rise across the Central Coast, CARE4PAWS is reminding pet owners to take extra precautions to protect animals from the heat.

Pets can overheat quickly, especially when they are outside during the hottest part of the day. CARE4PAWS recommends keeping animals indoors or in shaded areas, making sure they always have access to fresh water and limiting walks and exercise when temperatures climb.

Hot pavement can also burn a pet’s paws. Pet owners can check the ground before heading out and choose cooler times of the day for walks.

Animals should never be left alone in a parked vehicle, even for a short period of time. Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly and become dangerous.

Signs of overheating can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting or difficulty breathing. Pet owners who notice signs of heat-related illness should move their animal to a cooler area and seek veterinary care.

CARE4PAWS encourages families to plan around the heat and make sure pets have a cool, safe place as temperatures remain high.

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