Athletic Building Coming Down at SBCC to Make Way for State-of-the-Art Replacement

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A building dating back to the early 1960s is coming down at Santa Barbara City College.

Demolition has begun at the outdated Physical Education Building near the football stadium.

It will be replaced with a four-story structure with a gymnasium, fitness center, dance studios and offices.

The building will also serve as a community emergency recovery center.

The $105-million project was funding in part with state finances and a local voter approved bond (Measure P). Measure P unlocked $71 millions dollars that will go toward the project’s overall cost.

The project will be finished in Spring of 2028.

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Missing Isla Vista Woman Found Deceased Near Goleta Beach Park

Alissa Orozco

GOLETA, Calif. – Authorities identified the body found in the Goleta Slough area Tuesday as the elderly woman reported missing since July 11th.

A large police presence was spotted earlier today, happening on Sandspit Road in Goleta between Santa Barbara Airport and Goleta Beach.

Video shared with your News Channel showed several units from Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Santa Barbara County Fire, and Santa Barbara Airport responded, including patrol cars, fire trucks, and vans could be seen along the side of the road and the underpass on Sandspit Road.

Raquel Zick, the Public Information Officer for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office announced the body has been identified as 85-year-old Sonia Lang Crestfield. Crestfield was last seen at Friendship Manor in Isla Vista on July 11 at 11:30 am.

In their pleas for public assistance, the Sheriff’s office said Crestfield did suffer from dementia that could lead to confusion or disorientation.

Authorites say her death does not appear suspicious in nature at this time.

Cause and manner of death are pending investigation.

This article will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

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Good Charlotte Joins Trisha Yearwood and Donavon Frankenreiter for One 805LIVE

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from One805 regarding their upcoming benefit concert, One805Live!

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – One805 is excited to announce the iconic band Good Charlotte has been added to the star-studded lineup for One805LIVE! – joining country music legend Trisha Yearwood, and surf-rocker Donavon Frankenreiter for an unforgettable benefit concert at Kevin Costner’s estate on September 20th.

Known for their multi-platinum anthemic hits and electrifying sets, Good Charlotte is taking time away from the summer tour to promote their new album, Motel De Cap, to perform at One805LIVE! The band will bring their signature sound and powerful stage presence to Montecito for a night of music with meaning, all in support of Santa Barbara County’s first responders.

Already headlining this event is country music superstar Trisha Yearwood. With three Grammy Awards, multiple CMA and ACM honors, and over 15 million albums sold worldwide, Trisha is a true icon. From her breakout hit “She’s in Love with the Boy” to her highly anticipated upcoming album “The Mirror” – the first for which she co-wrote every song – Trisha has been delivering heartfelt, chart-topping music for decades. Now she’s bringing that magic to Santa Barbara.

“I’m excited to be part of One805LIVE! – an event that truly celebrates the heroes who keep out communities safe,” said Yearwood. “It’s an honor to help raise funds for the critical resources these First Responders need to keep doing what they do best: saving lives.”

Fresh from rocking a huge crowd at Bottlerock in Napa, where he was described as “One of the hottest sets of the weekend” and “a revelation of groovy goodness,” we’re excited to announce that Donavon Frankenreiter is also joining the lineup for One805Live! A Southern California native, Donavon began chasing waves at a young age, turning pro as a surfer by 16. For nearly two decades, he’s been traveling the globe as a musician, entertaining audience with his unique blend of laid-back grooves, philosophical lyrics, and soulful delivery – a sound that reflects his free-spirited roots and deep connection to the ocean.

One805LIVE! 2025 takes place on Saturday, September 20th, from 4 PM to 10 PM. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit First Responders across Santa Barbara County. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will support musicians from Alta Dena who lost everything in recent wildfires.

“One805LIVE! isn’t just a concert – it’s a powerful act of community,” said Kirsten Cavendish Weston-Smith, CEO of One805. “Together, we’re making a difference – one song, one first responder, one unforgettable night at a time.”

Past artists have included music royalty such as Pink, Katy Perry, David Crosby, Maroon 5, John Fogerty, Kevin Costner, Kenny Loggins, and Joe Bonamassa – with past attendees including The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe, Jeff Bridges, Zoe Saldaña, Cameron Diaz and Michael Keaton. One805LIVE! is widely recognized as one of the most impactful and star-studded benefit events in California.

The full 2025 lineup of performers will be revealed soon, promising yet another unforgettable night of music, meaning, and magic under the stars.

Tickets are on sale now for General Admission, VIP, and Cabanas at www.one805.org. (One805 is a 501 (c)(3), and all tickets have a tax-deductible component.

About One805

One805 supports First Responders throughout Santa Barbara County by funding vital equipment, training, and mental health resources. Born from the devastating debris flow of 2018, One805 is a unified nonprofit driven by community resilience and built to stand behind those who serve – every day, in every emergency.

For tickets, sponsorships, or more information, visit www.One805.org.

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Free Legal Aid at Santa Barbara’s FARO Center Helps Unhoused Community Members Get Back On Their Feet

Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Anne Berry was evicted from her graduate student housing at UC Santa Barbara two months ago.

This is the first time she has experienced homelessness.

“They wouldn’t accept the student aid, I have documents of all of this and they wouldn’t even accept my scholarship as well,” said Berry.

She says she’s feeling more hopeful after sitting down with attorney Joseph Doherty.

Doherty says he’s seen every form of injustice imaginable — from wage theft and unlawful detainers to eviction and civil liability issues.  

He sees roughly 8 people in a 3 hour period, but within those sessions he makes a lot of headway connecting his clients with the appropriate services.

He also helps those with criminal histories get their records expunged.  

“People are telling us that they are now able to get a job, and they’re able to find the housing that they have been prevented from finding because of their criminal record. And that’s success. That’s helping somebody, you know, clear those barriers to housing and employment that often results in,” said Doherty.

The city is requiring the FARO center to switch to a referral-based or appointment-only model because of complaints from neighboring businesses.

But community members say this will ultimately impact who receives legal aid and help with housing.

“I don’t think that’s going to work at all. How in the world is an unhoused person going to make an appointment? I mean, do they have cell phones? Do they have computers? No,” said Mary Arnoult, who lives in Goleta.

Doherty says a lot of the people that he sees at the center are already dealing with several barriers to not only making appointments, but also keeping appointments.

“Whether it be their own mental health, transportation issues, their emergency crisis situation that requires speaking with an attorney today and not at some other other point. And so it’s really all about increasing access to try to help as many community members as possible,” said Doherty.

The FARO Center will be switching to an appointment only model on August 1st.

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David Javier Madrigal convicted for four felony counts of child sex abuse Tuesday

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – David Javier Madrigal, a 39-year-old from Nipomo, received a conviction for child sex abuse after a jury found him guilty on four total counts on the same victim, according to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office.

Madrigal’s felonies include two counts of forcible lewd acts on a child under 14, one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child and another count of a lewd act on a child under 14, detailed the SBCDAO.

The victim, Jane Doe, is a relative of Madrigal’s, and he is currently being held in county jail before his sentencing on Sept. 2 in Santa Maria Superior Court, according to the SBCDAO.

There, Madrigal faces 18 years to 15 to life in prison for his crimes against the victim, detailed the SBCDAO.

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Visit Ventura’s Marlyss Auster Honored with Top Global Tourism Award

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Visit Ventura regarding their President & CEO, Marlyss Auster being honored as one of the recipients of the 2025 Destination Organization Leadership Award by Destinations International

VENTURA, Calif. – Visit Ventura is proud to announce that Marlyss Auster, President & CEO, was honored as one of the recipients of the 2025 Destination Organization Leadership Award by Destinations International, the world’s largest and most respected association for destination professionals, representing nearly 1,000 destination organizations and business partners across more than 30 countries.

One of the association’s most prestigious honors, the award recognizes those outstanding individuals who have made a significant contribution to the destination marketing industry and have made a profound difference in the communities they serve.

“Marlyss truly embodies the spirit of what this award represents,” said Brian Pendleton, General Manager of the Ventura Port District and Board Chair of the Ventura Visitors Convention Bureau. “She works tirelessly for the benefit of Ventura, and continues to make a profound difference in our community. Marlyss is a respected leader in the destination marketing industry, and is very deserving of the prestigious award.”

Under Auster’s nearly 13 years of leadership, Visit Ventura has won multiple HSMAI Adrian Awards, a Visit California Poppy Award, bestowed biannually, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce Poinsettia Innovation Award, and has been honored six times as one of the best places to work in California’s Central Coast by the Pacific Coast Business Times.

“Marlyss has a passion for our city, and her leadership at Visit Ventura shines through in everything she does,” said City Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacio. “This honor is a beautiful recognition of the heart she brings to our community. The award is well deserved, and we’re incredibly proud of her. We’re fortunate to have her here in the City of Ventura, helping to strengthen our identity and contribute to our economic vitality.”

Most notably, under Auster’s leadership, Ventura was the host city of the finals weekend of X Games California 2023 and X Games Ventura 2024, the world’s leading action sports brand and competition. During these two action packed back to back summers, she led collaboration efforts with the City and regional partners for a holistic transportation, marketing, and community integration plan, and actualized her dreams of elevating Ventura’s small beach community into a destination that could successfully host an international sporting event, changing the business and community landscape for years to come.

Beyond exciting partnerships, events, and campaigns, Auster has also been a leader under dire circumstances like the 2017 Thomas Fire that ravaged the City, and also the global pandemic COVID-19. Through it all, Auster’s passion, empathy, and genuine love for her community led the way through difficult times. And that is a sign of a true community leader.

“Every single day I’m grateful I get to help support my hometown and community through tourism and hospitality,” said Auster. “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the support of my amazing team and partners. It truly takes a village.”

Learn more about the Destination Organization Leadership Award Recipients here.’

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Ahead of Old Spanish Days – City of Santa Barbara Reminds the Community that Confetti is Litter

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Santa Barbara regarding environmental concerns ahead of the upcoming Fiesta season

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The use of confetti at Santa Barbara parades and festivals is growing, in both the number of events where confetti is used and the volume of confetti tossed. While confetti eggs or cascarones have long been a tradition at Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days, we are now seeing large bags of confetti being sold and dumped on our sidewalks, streets, and parks.

In addition to paper confetti, the volume of shiny metallic confetti, sequins, glitter, and silly string used at community events is increasing. These are all made of plastic and are often mistaken for food and consumed by birds and other animals. Confetti can easily wash or blow into our storm drains, creeks, and ocean, where it poses a threat to aquatic life and pollutes our environment.

While you’re celebrating in the City, we encourage you to choose paper confetti and use it sparingly!

Storm drains lead to our creeks and ocean untreated, polluting our creeks, beaches, and

Confetti can be mistaken for food by birds, fish, and other wildlife.

Shiny metallic confetti, sequins, and glitter are all made of plastic, which is not biodegradable.

Throwing confetti and leaving it behind is littering!

Are you a vendor making cascarones to sell?

Please only use paper confetti (or leaves!), and do not add plastic or foam decorations on the outside of the eggs.

View information on Selling Cascarones (La venta cascarones).

Want to help spread the word about confetti litter?

Download and share confetti outreach materials.

Traducción al Español:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – El uso de confeti en los desfiles y festivales de Santa Barbara está en aumento, tanto en el número de eventos donde se utiliza como en la cantidad de confeti lanzado. Aunque los huevos de confeti o cascarones han sido una tradición durante mucho tiempo en las Old Spanish Days de Santa Barbara, ahora estamos viendo grandes bolsas de confeti que se venden y se vierten en nuestras aceras, calles y parques.

Además del confeti de papel, también está aumentando el uso de confeti metálico brillante, lentejuelas, brillantina y espuma en aerosol en los eventos comunitarios. Todos estos están hechos de plástico y a menudo son confundidos con alimento y consumidos por aves y otros animales. El confeti puede fácilmente ser arrastrado por el viento o la lluvia hacia nuestras alcantarillas pluviales, arroyos y el océano, donde representa una amenaza para la vida acuática y contamina nuestro medio ambiente.

Mientras celebras en la Ciudad, ¡te animamos a elegir confeti de papel y usarlo con moderación!

Las alcantarillas pluviales desembocan sin tratamiento en nuestros arroyos y el océano, contaminando arroyos y playas.

El confeti puede ser confundido con alimento por aves, peces y otros animales silvestres.

El confeti metálico brillante, las lentejuelas y la brillantina están hechos de plástico, que no es biodegradable.

¡Lanzar confeti y dejarlo tirado es ensuciar!

¿Eres un vendedor que elabora cascarones para vender?

Por favor, utiliza únicamente confeti de papel (¡o hojas!) y no agregues decoraciones de plástico o espuma en el exterior de los huevos.

Ver información sobre La venta cascarones (Selling Cascarones).

¿Quieres ayudar a correr la voz sobre la basura de confeti?

Descarga y comparte los materiales de divulgación sobre el confeti.

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MTD’s ‘The Wave’ Now Serving Goleta Community Center, Complimentary Rides Continue through mid-August

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Santa Barbara MTD regarding their new on-demand microtransit service known as ‘The Wave’

GOLETA, Calif. – After launching a new on-demand microtransit service known as The Wave in an area of Goleta and Isla Vista in late April, Santa Barbara MTD has added a new pickup and drop-off point at the Goleta Community Center.

Microtransit is a flexible, on-demand, curb-to-curb service providing trips between any two points in a specified zone for a flat fare with an accessible van. Riders order a ride on the TransLoc app, or by calling MTD’s Customer Service Center at 805-963-3366. Much like a rideshare app, the rider makes a ride reservation by selecting their pick-up and drop-off locations within the service zone.

“We’re excited to add the connection to the Goleta Community Center—an important landmark in Old Town Goleta that provides services and space for our seniors, families, and community as a whole,” said Hillary Blackerby, Planning and Marketing Manager at Santa Barbara MTD. “We encourage those who haven’t tried The Wave yet to take a ride—it’s convenient, comfortable, and affordable—it’s even complimentary for a bit longer!”

The service zone includes an area bounded by Patterson to the east, Cathedral Oaks to the north, Los Carneros to the west, and 101 to the South. The housing and business park areas on either side of Los Carneros south of the freeway are also included. Additionally, specific points at the following locations are available for drop off or pickup: Goleta Community Center, Goleta Amtrak Station, Santa Barbara Airport, UCSB Bus Loop, Elings Hall stop, Isla Vista Community Center, and the El Colegio & Embarcadero del Mar outbound bus stop. The map of the zone can be found here (or attached).

The Wave is currently operating Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and rides can be booked in the moment or up to a week in advance. Rides continue to be complimentary for now, likely through mid-August.

Once fares are charged, the regular one-way fare will be $3, and seniors over 65 and people with disabilities will pay $1.50. Riders can transfer for free to any MTD fixed route bus within an hour and will be provided a transfer by the driver upon request. Payment will be accepted via cash or contactless payment.

Full details and frequently asked questions about The Wave can be found at https://sbmtd.gov/thewave

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Citywide Fiesta Decorations Going Up to Spark More Interest in Old Spanish Days

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – You will be seeing more decorations throughout Santa Barbara soon as part of the citywide celebration of Old Spanish Days coming up.

It couldn’t come at a more important time with attendance down at some of the recent summertime gatherings including the Santa Barbara County Fair recently.

Stores including the Home Improvement Center (ACE Hardware) on Gutierrez street not only have decorative bunting up outside, but also sell it inside. Fiesta flags for Old Spanish Days are made at the Flag Factory in Carpinteria. Some have hand painted additions for a custom look.

Pins and posters for this year’s Old Spanish Days are sold at The Home Improvement Center, The Santa Barbara Historical Museum, The Old Mission and Viva! Santa Barbara at the Paseo Nuevo Mall.

There are also many homeowners that have decorated the front of their house with flags, bunting and lights with the Fiesta colors of red, yellow and green.

The citywide spirited effort is a boost across the board from coffee shop to night spots.

Many bars and restaurants add more Fiesta decor and promotional items from beverage suppliers just for Fiesta.

The Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Miguel Avila said, “the Fiesta atmosphere is in the air.  People sense it, smelling it and they are starting to get into the feeling  of Fiesta.” He said is a very big boost for the economy. “It brings a lot of money to Santa Barbara.  Pretty much all businesses benefit even the ones that are not downtown they can still get a little tail of the business right here on the Westside or even on the Eastside.”

Avila says the community of all ages should “be ready and to embrace the occasion.”

When it comes to decorations around the community, some treat it like other holidays.

2025 El Presidente Fritz Olenberger said, “buy the pins  buy the bunting. I have bunting myself. I am going to put it up at my house. “

He was treated to a special birthday cake over the weekend that featured the Fiesta poster image on it. That cake was make locally by the bakers at Vons on Turnpike, showing the creativity that may catch on with others looking to provide new ways for the public to enjoy the event.

What’s still to be seen is how the popular cascarones street vendors will be stocked up for Fiesta with their confetti eggs.

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Two new neighborhood parks open in Santa Maria

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Santa Maria is celebrating the completion of two brand new neighborhood parks that both opened Tuesday morning.

Dejoy Street Neighborhood Park and Taylor Street Neighborhood Park are now both open to the public to use and enjoy.

The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department held a ribbon cutting at the Dejoy Street Neighborhood Park to officially recognize the many years of effort that was taken to build the new play spaces.

Both sites are called “pocket parks,” a designation for a recreation space that is under one acre in size.

The two parks include play equipment, as well as a safe rubber surface and decorative landscaping.

With the addition of the two facilities, there are now 33 parks located within Santa Maria, with two more larger-scale high-profile locations that will soon open up.

The Japanese Community Center that is located with the Enos Ranch area is nearing completion, while a groundbreaking was recently held to mark the beginning of construction of the Sports Complex at the corner of West Battle Road and South Depot Street.

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