Author: KEYT

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – It was a special day at the beach for some local residents who don’t get to the waterfront as often as they would like.

Through the non-profit Naturetrack, a van full of specially designed mobility units called Freedom Trax provided the mechanics to get them on the move. A group spent more than two hours on Leadbetter beach going through the sand and down to the surfline.

Lisa Walters is with Santa Barbara Memory Care. She says, “most of them don’t walk, first of all, they are in wheelchairs so the access to going on to the beach they are so happy. It’s so amazing!”

Shaun Wahl was enjoying his outing and said, “they help people get out on the beach or wherever they want to go and it is really fun. It helps people get on a beach or get on a trail, get on a local trail to them. Basically anywhere they want to go.”

The outings with the freedom trax includes trips to hiking trails and special other access routes to nature.It is also used for school kids who are in a wheelchair or going through any type of rehabilitation so they don’t miss out. Today’s trip to the beach involved seniors and children.

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

Click here to follow the original article.

John Palminteri

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) – The shattered remains of the Sea Dragon II fishing boat was picked up by a crew with TowBoatUS Ventura this week. They used heavy equipment, four-wheel drive vehicles and a truck.

On December 23rd, the vessel ran aground at Surfers Knoll. TowBoatUS Ventura, the Harbor Patrol and US Coast Guard responded. No one on board was hurt.

It was not able to be hauled back out, and it started breaking up with the recent storm, which created a maritime and environmental hazard.

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

Click here to follow the original article.

Caleb Nguyen

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo Police are investigating an attempted robbery at Cambria Bike Outfitters around 4:00 a.m. Saturday morning.

The man involved wore gloves, a dark jacket, a beanie-like hat, and a headlamp when he backed his pickup truck through the store’s glass, according to the SLOPD.

SLOPD officers later found out the man stole the truck from Santa Maria on Friday before loading bikes into the car and attempting to drive away.

The man could not drive away from the store due to the truck’s damage before he left one bike and rode another away, according to the SLOPD.

SLOPD officers later recovered the abandoned bike several blocks away and now seek more information for the investigation.

Those able to help the SLOPD in the case are asked to call either Officer Kuhn or Crime Stoppers.

Click here to follow the original article.

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – On Monday, the city of Santa Barbara released their tax results from a portion of the year, reporting the estimate revenue gained in Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) from commercial lodging since the start of the city’s fiscal year.

The city is wrapping up 2025, and the halfway mark of their fiscal year with a collected $17.7 million in TOT, a reported 3.2% above budget.

Transient Occupancy Taxes, or “bed tax,” is placed on impermanent guests staying in any commercial lodging within the city for a period of less than 30 days.

Since July 1st, 2025, approximately $15.3 million has been collected from tourists and guests staying hotels, and $2.4 million from short-term rentals.

During November 2025 alone, the fifth month in the fiscal year, $2.7 million was collected – over seven percent above the projected budget of $2.5 million.

The city’s 2026 fiscal year will conclude on June 30th, 2026, with an adopted TOT budget for all funds of $35.5 million.

Santa Barbara’s Transient Occupancy Tax rate is 12 percent, of which ten percent goes to the City’s General Fund and the remaining two percent goes to the Creeks/Clean Water Fund.

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

Click here to follow the original article.

John Palminteri

SUMMERLAND, Calif. (KEYT) – The November and December rains, stronger than most forecasters saw coming, have left behind worries on the South Coast.

Before the year can even come to a close, the hills are saturated and the magnitude of the rains have filled and spilled three reservoirs including Cachuma Lake.

Hillsides are soaking in water like a sponge and some are coming close to crumbling.

In Summerland, there’s already been a slide on Greenwell Ave. that has closed the street from Asegra to Ortega Ridge Road. Santa Barbara County Public Works is watching it closely, and advisories have gone out.

Signs that were up recently are now moved to the side of the road. The area is still very mushy along the shoulders and some areas have washed down but cars can get through without an issue.

“I was surprised that the road was actually closed because it often has mudflow across the road but  it has never been enough to close the road altogether,” said a longtime resident Leslie Robinson. “I don’t know of any history of having  a landslide there just mudflow because there is a creek on either side of the road.”

A slide more than six years ago on Ortega Ridge Road was repaired with a uniquely crafted stone wall that is holding in an area where two lanes are safetly open. During the slide and repair project it was one lane with alternating traffic.

In Ventura County, the Sheriff’s Department has alerted residents in the tiny town of La Conchita on the coast about a possible slide. Rainfall totals have matched those that preceded the slides in 1995 and 2005 that took ten lives and crushed homes. The freeway in the same area had flooding impacts last weekend.

Residents in La Conchita were advised to relocate during the last storm. It is unclear if any did.

On both Santa Barbara and Ventura beaches, boats have come ashore. One, a 50-footer in Ventura has been crushed by the TowBoatUS – Ventura crew after it began coming apart on the beach.

A sailboat that broke down or came from its anchorage, was tipping into the shoreline and coastal waves where it plowed into East Beach last week.

San Marcos Pass has held up well, even after taking in 14 inches of rain this month.

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

Click here to follow the original article.

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Shopping bags are going 100% paper for 10 cents apiece statewide in California on New Years’ Day.

Some consumers say they aren’t very thrilled about it.

The state’s overall goal of getting rid of plastic shopping bags for groceries has taken almost 20 years due to a few legal loopholes.

“I know we aren’t going to order them, which is like the only consequence,” says Jacob Luke, one of the managers at Spencer’s Fresh Markets in Santa Maria. “Like, I don’t know if there’s any laws against the back stock just selling out what we have. Because they have our name and everything on them, which is cool.”

Thin, single-use plastic bags were banned in 2014 and the ban was upheld by voters in 2016, but thick, reusable plastic bags were still allowed, also for 10 cents each in most places.

“I’ve been to other states and the Caribbean,” says Long Mikita, who lives In Nevada & grew up In Santa Maria. “The plastic bags, they don’t charge for them, you know, I kind of like that idea.”

The problem became that most consumers have been using these thicker bags only once and discarding them—leading to even more pollution.

“I reuse them multiple times,” says Mikita. “But I’d rather have the plastic versus the paper.”

In 2024 governor Newsom signed legislation for a full ban on all plastic shopping bags statewide, to begin January 1st, 2026.

“I just don’t think that it was the right decision,” says Mikita.

Some locals say there is a lingering preference for plastic bags.

“Our plastic bags have handles and our paper bags don’t,” says Luke. “So people like, they like to use the plastic bag more because they’re easier to use. But it’s really just half and half.”

Many stores have already made the adjustment to avoid any penalties, and other consumers say they have gotten used to bringing their own shopping bags.

“There’s actually people that are concerned and they’re doing the right thing and they’re using the bags for what they were intended for,” says Mikita. “And then if they’ve got extra they put them in a recycle bin.”

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

Click here to follow the original article.

Patricia Martellotti

MONTECITO, Calif. (KEYT) – A beloved Montecito retreat center is reopening its doors and renewing its role in the community. La Casa de Maria has officially reopened following years of closure caused by the Thomas Fire, devastating mudslides, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reopening marks a new chapter for the historic center, with a renewed mission centered on interfaith connection, reflection, and healing. Leaders say La Casa de Maria will offer programs and retreats open to people of all faith traditions, creating space for dialogue, contemplation, and shared spiritual growth.

Organizers hope the center will once again serve as a hub for unity and purpose, bringing together the Santa Barbara community through inclusive gatherings and reflective programming.

Click here to follow the original article.

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Levi Oakes scored a game-high 23 points and Brent Sharpton added 17 points as host Santa Barbara High School defeated Bishop Diego 65-43 on Day 3 of the Holiday Classic.

The Dons are 3-0 in the tournament and they will finish up on Tuesday with a 3:00 P.M. tip against Oakland Tech.

Bishop Diego was led by freshman Shane Kwizera who scored 16 points and Damien Krautman who added 12 points.

The Cardinals (9-2) were tied with the Dons at 13 after the first quarter but went ice cold in the second quarter scoring just two points on a dunk by Krautman as they trailed 28-15 at halftime.

The Dons had the size and length advantage and they made a concerted effort to attack inside after the first quarter.

Oakes had several driving layups in the third quarter as the Dons opened up a 52-26 advantage heading into the final eight minutes.

The Dons improved to 7-6 on the season.

Other tournament results:

Oakland Tech 70, San Marcos 59

Dos Pueblos 51, Pinole Valley 47: Pinsker scored 24 pts for the Chargers

Santa Paula 80, Pleasant Grove 58: Alvarez scored 21 pts for the Cardinals

St. Joseph Notre Dame 66, Righetti 51

Oaks Christian 74, Davis Sr. 46: Goodwin scored 16 pts for the Lions

Thousand Oaks 72, Dougherty Valley 64: McCord scored 23 pts for the Lancers

Rio Mesa 68, Stone Ridge Christian 46: Vargas scored 22 pts for the Spartans

Pacifica 74, Lowell 71 (2OT): Jones scored 20 pts for Tritons

Franklin 69, Oak Park 44: Prophete scored 11 pts for Eagles

Whitney 68, San Luis Obispo 47

Granada Hills Charter 68, Ventura 60

Click here to follow the original article.

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – And just like that, 2026 is nearly here and wine expert Jamie Knee is back with your News Channel to talk all things bubbly.

With her, she brings a variety of sparkling wines and champagne – each one perfect for your New Years celebrations.

From non-alcoholic to high-end, from award-winners to local vineyards – whatever your preference – Jamie Knee has got you covered.

For more about Jamie Knee visit her site, Petite Wine Traveler.

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

Click here to follow the original article.

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – There’s a new look to one of the blocks in downtown Santa Barbara, and it has nothing to do with a retail or food space.

The old bushy landscaping is gone and in its place, a new, more simple look.

There are now about 200 native plants that have gone into the ground in a collaboration between the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, the non-profit group Friends of State Street, and the city.

The organizations are working with the new downtown Santa Barbara Business Improvement District.

The plantings took place earlier this month between Anapamu Street  and Victoria street.

It is a pilot project to show the public ways landscaping can be integrated into the master plan to improve the overall appearance of the street and specific settings around restaurants and gathering places.

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Impact and Advocacy Program says the plantings include: Orange Monkeyflower, Seaside Daisy, Douglas Iris, and Santa Ana Coral Bells.

With them, signs went up explaining the project and a QR code. With that you can use your phone to get a survey about the project (or click here).

Information from this trial may be used in the city’s master plan in the core of downtown.

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

Click here to follow the original article.