Author: KEYT

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Old Mission Santa Barbara is a world class destination.

“Throughout the world we are known as the Queen of the missions because of the setting … the rather grand architecture … and the beautiful views … with the mountains in the distance,” said Father Joseph Schwab of the Old Mission Santa Barbara.

But on the morning of June 29th 1925, a massive earthquake struck Santa Barbara.  

“The Santa Barbara mission was having a mass when the earthquake struck … there was 20 parishioners inside … the front of the mission collapsed … towers fell,” said historian Neal Graffy.

Downtown Santa Barbara was hit hard.

“The building strictly across the street at State and Anapamu … the 1914 San Marcos building … and then on June 29, 1925 the two halves of the building at this corner … ground against each other and collapsed … killing two people inside,” said Graffy.

So was the old courthouse.

“It was damaged and no longer occupied so it had to be torn down and a new courthouse commissioned,” said architect Brian Cearnal.

Most of Downtown Santa Barbara was left in rubble.

But in the wake of the disaster, community leaders decided to re-imagine the city.  

“This was sort of the basis of what became the Santa Barbara style of architecture. Sure, the Spanish colonial that’s been borrowed from the Mediterranean, but the mission was what started that whole process for California,” said Graffy.

If the earthquake hadn’t happened, would Santa Barbara look the way it does today?

“It would not be the way it is at all … instead we have a real gem of the city … of the hispanic period both Spanish and Mexican eras,” said Schwab.

“We’re at the entrance to the 1129 State Street at the corner of the San Marcos building … and this is just another beautiful example of the post earthquake revival that they did for Santa Barbara … instead of just a flat doorway … they just added all this stunning detail … and if you go up there, there’s faces hidden here and there … and all this fun stuff to just take some time and look at it,” said Graffy.

One gem of the new-look Santa Barbara was the county courthouse.

“This is the mansion for the people … it has everything a Montecito mansion would have … with all the best architecture and the best features … It’s not your typical courthouse … being built in this amazing style … unlike other Court houses, which were just simply big squares with offices in it … and we just have this beautiful flowing well thought out well designed courthouse,” said Graffy.

As the city gets ready to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the quake, historians believe this week is also a celebration of the human spirit.

“But also to do with just the recognition of how we got together … and came together as a town,” said docent Bob Dickey of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

:And this earthquake caused the city to pull together … and say together even though we are damaged by this we can do this we can build a town that was better than it was before,” said Schwab.

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Ryder Christ

PASADENA, Calif. — Survivors of the deadly Los Angeles wildfires are urging others, especially older adults and people with disabilities, to have an emergency plan in place.

Dana Carney remembers racing through burning streets in Altadena to find her friend Michael Brown during the recent Eaton Fire that ultimately claimed 17 lives.

“All you hear is popping,” Carney said in a moment captured on cellphone video. Brown was sheltering in his home, knowing that opening the door could be deadly. “If you open the door to the house to look out, you’re letting 100 mile an hour wind in with oxygen,” he said.

With embers igniting nearby, Brown made a split-second decision to flee. Carney spotted him just in time. “He got in and we just had to get out of there. It was the scariest thing ever,” she recalled from the Pasadena Senior Center.

Brown packed his essential documents before leaving: his phone, tablet, bank checks, credit cards, social security card and birth certificate.

Fellow evacuee Sarah Sneider showed off her go-bag filled with everyday essentials: “My purse has my phone, credit cards, my license, very important things… charger, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, mask, comb, and a list to make sure I have everything.”

Emergency officials emphasize the importance of being ready to evacuate—or shelter in place—at a moment’s notice.

“Have your most essential documents and your medications with you, or alternatively if you’re asked to stay put and shelter in place, have a stay kit with you,” said Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging. “That means perishable items, water, and things you might need for 24 or 48 hours.”

The department’s emergency preparedness guide, available at aging.ca.gov, is tailored for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. It includes checklists and tips on how to prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters. The guide is offered in seven languages.

Patricia Roach of Pasadena learned she needed to rethink her own plan when she realized her supplies were stored behind an electric garage door—one she might not be able to access if the power went out. “I don’t even know where the key is. So I would have to call a company,” she admitted.

Officials recommend signing up for emergency alerts at CalAlerts.org, preparing a go-bag, and talking with friends and family about evacuation plans now—before disaster strikes.

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Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – An innovative 3D-printed housing development that will serve as a new supportive housing community in San Luis Obispo will soon begin construction.

This week, leaders with the City of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, along with project partners DignityMoves, Azure Printed Homes, and Good Samaritan Shelter celebrated a “ground planting,” to mark the start of the construction process for “Welcome Home Village.”

Over the next several months, Welcome Home Village will be built at the corner of Johnson Avenue and Bishop Street on what is currently the Bishop Medical Plaza parking lot.

“It will include 14 interim support units and 40 permanent supportive housing units,” said Margaret Shepard-Moore, Welcome Home Village Director. “When it’s all filled, we’ll have 54, residents here and they’ll be receiving services from case management to medical coordination, substance use disorder counseling, mental health counseling. There will be a property manager on site, so it’ll all be right here on this property in just a few short months.”

Residents will share facilities, such as laundry areas, landscaped open space, and other multiple community spaces, including work-study areas and private offices for meetings with case managers and other service professionals.

Services will be provided by Good Samaritan Shelter, which has partnered to help create three similar projects in Santa Barbara County.

Good Samaritan Shelter case managers and support professionals from will assist residents navigate services, rebuild their lives, and move toward long-term housing stability.

“It really is that lock on the door gives people such a sense of dignity and belonging and privacy, which is really what our folks that are unsheltered are looking for,” saidKirsten Cahoon, Good Samaritan Homeless Services Director. “We’ve known that non-congregate sheltering is really the best practice model for folks that have been chronically homeless. Most of the folks that we see in these models have been homeless for three plus years, and have really not felt comfortable coming into a congregate shelter model. Congregate shelter models are amazing for families and folks that self resolve a little quicker and are still full on all of our campuses, but this is just a different model that is really focused at folks that have been homeless for a longer period of time.”

Welcome Home Village is intended to serve individuals experiencing homelessness in the Bob Jones Bike Trail encampment area.

“The funds that are allowing this project to be built are from what are called encampment resolution funds from the state of California,” said Shepard-Moore. “Our particular village is specifically to address the Bob Jones bike trail, so the outreach workers are targeting that area and the individuals who are camping in that area, and there are even some funds that are included to help remediate and bring the Bob Jones bike trail back to a place where people want to go enjoy and walk.”

A key component of the project is the 3D technology that will used to build the homes, which will, according to project partners, reduce costs and accelerate delivery.

Gardena-based Azure Printed Homes said each home will be built through recycling approximately 150,000 recycled plastic bottles.

Azure added its homes can be built 70% faster and 30% less expensive than traditional construction methods.

“This is so unique and so innovative,” said Cahoon. “We are so excited that we’re able to partner with Azure Printed Homes. We’ve never worked with them in the past on one of these projects, but to have 3D printed homes that are being manufactured out of recycled plastic water bottles is just mind blowing to me. They do such incredible work and we’re really excited to see what their houses turn out like and knowing that we’re doing something good for the environment and having sustainable housing is very exciting.”

Construction on the project is expected to start within a few days and finish sometime late this year or in early 2026.

“Welcome Home Village represents what’s possible when we pair innovation with urgency,” said Elizabeth Funk, DignityMoves CEO. “We’re proving that we can move faster, build smarter, and meet people where they are—without sacrificing quality. DignityMoves is proud to be part of this transformational project, a bold step forward and a model for what’s possible across California.”

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from County of San Luis Obispo, Animal Services Division regarding Summer Safety and Fourth of July tips for your pet.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – As the temperature rises and the community starts to prepare for 4th of July celebrations, San Luis Obispo County Animal Services asks pet owners to be aware of potential dangers for their pets and learn how to keep their furry friends safe from high temperatures and fireworks noise.

“Every year, we see pets affected by panic due to fireworks and the dual threat of summer heat,” said Dr. Eric Anderson, County Animal Services Manager. “By preparing ahead and making small adjustments, pet owners can make a significant difference in their pets’ comfort and safety.”

Safety Recommendations for 4th of July:

Create a Safe Indoor Space – Confine pets in a quiet, secure area during fireworks. Play calming music or white noise and stay nearby to reassure them.

Keep Fireworks Far from Pets – Even curious or seemingly brave pets can become frightened or injured. Observe all fireworks from a safe distance.

Walk and Exercise Early – A well-exercised pet tends to be calmer. Get their energy out before the festivities begin.

Double-Check Your Home – Ensure all doors, windows, and pet exits are secured to prevent escape.

Clean Up After Fireworks – Leftover debris can be toxic or cause choking if ingested.

Update Identification – Microchips and tags should have your current contact info. This simple step is vital for pet recovery.

Lost Pet Protocol – Check the Animal Services website for found pets listings and report missing animals or call the lost pet hotline at 805-781-4407.

Severe firework anxiety? Some pets that are highly agitated by fireworks may need sedation. Those pet owners should contact their vet to discuss whether a sedative should be prescribed.

“We strongly recommend microchipping—it’s often the only way lost pets are returned home,” said Dr. Anderson. “Summer should be fun for the whole family, including our animals and with a little planning, we can prevent emergencies and keep tails wagging all summer long.”

Heat Safety Recommendations for Pets:

Never Leave Pets in Vehicles – On a 75°F day, temperatures inside a car can reach over 100°F in minutes—even with windows cracked.

Hydration is Key – Always provide fresh, cool water. Bring portable water bowls when going out.

Provide Shelter and Airflow – Outdoor pets should have access to shaded, breezy areas. Avoid enclosed spots without ventilation.

Time Outdoor Activities Wisely – Limit walks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Check pavement heat with your hand before stepping out.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke – Panting, drooling, disorientation, or collapse require immediate cooling and vet attention.

Cool Treats for Relief – Freeze pet-safe broths or fruits in molds to offer relief and enrichment

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Los Padres ForestWatch staff members are speaking out against a controversial federal proposal that could lead to the sale of millions of acres of public land in California and beyond.

The Senate version of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes a provision that would mandate the sale of up to 3 million acres of federally managed public land across 11 Western states, including California. While national parks, monuments, and wilderness areas would be excluded, large portions of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land—including areas near the Carrizo Plain in San Luis Obispo County—could be sold without public input or environmental review.

Supporters, like Utah Senator Mike Lee, argue the measure could help lower housing costs by making more land available for development. However, the bill does not require the land to be used for housing—raising concerns from conservation groups that it could be purchased for other private uses such as oil extraction or luxury development. Critics say the vague language poses significant risks to ecologically sensitive areas and could set a dangerous precedent for future federally mandated land sales.

Los Padres ForestWatch Director of Conservation and Research, Bryant Baker, has been reviewing the local impact.

“That is still about 280,000 acres of federal public land in this region — Kern County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, San Luis Obispo County, and Monterey County. That’s the area we focus on, and most of that is around the Carrizo Plain,” said Baker.

The Carrizo Plain, located in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, is the largest remaining native grassland in California and a biodiversity hotspot.

Baker says the nonprofit anticipated threats to public lands but nothing on this scale. He notes the proposal’s inclusion in a budget reconciliation package is a strategy to bypass the standard 60-vote threshold in the Senate and instead pass it with a simple majority.

“The reason they are trying to put it in the reconciliation bill is because in reconciliation, you just need a majority of the votes,” Baker explained.

He added that although the bill excludes national forests, it still targets all eligible BLM land—much of which has existing oil leases or limited development potential.

“They are saying we want to sell it so it can be developed — housing development is one of the main reasons. But it is all worded so vaguely that we’re not sure it would be limited to housing. And a lot of that land is not suited for housing in the first place — that’s why it wasn’t historically developed,” he said.

Baker is urging the public to take action by contacting elected officials and visiting areas like the Carrizo Plain to better understand what’s at stake.

“I think the big issue here is that this would set a precedent for Congress mandating the sale of public lands to agencies. So if it happens this time — even if it’s just BLM land in 11 different states — who knows what the next mandate will be for the sale of federal lands,” he said.

President Trump aims to sign the bill into law ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.

For a link to more information visit, https://forestwatch.org/news-publications/news/forced-land-sale-provision-stripped-from-senate-megabill

For information about the author of the lands portion of the budget bill visit https://lee.senate.gov

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Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.—Marie Christine says it would be heartbreaking to let go of a place that houses so many special memories with her late husband who she says was the love of her life.

“I am reluctant to leave the place because he passed away in the place and I took care of him until his last breath. And this is a special place for him,” said Maria Christine Kannoglou, a senior living in the Edgerly Apartments.

She says it would also be a huge financial strain, as she explains she is “very lucky” that she currently pays $1,500 a month for a two bedroom.

Several low-income seniors are worried about what the future holds now that the Battistone Foundation is selling two of its buildings — the Edgerly and Palm Tree apartments, both located on De La Vina Street.

“ If, like I said, a large corporation buys, we won’t be able to stay,” said Karine Anderson, who lives in the Edgerly Apartments.

For decades, the Battistone Foundation has provided affordable housing to low-income seniors in Santa Barbara.

The foundation now plans to sell the two buildings, stating that it will help them generate revenue to help even more seniors.

In a statement, the foundation’s CEO Cindy Hill said, “The foundation will better fulfill our charitable purpose of providing low-cost housing by utilizing the funds now locked into high valued Santa Barbara real estate as we transition our efforts to a grant-making foundation rather than an operating foundation.”

But tenants are worried that new owners may try to raise rents or end their leases.

“I don’t see how the foundation can help more seniors if this is sold to a place that doesn’t want to continue the mission of this place, which is to help elders, low income elders,” said 89-year-old Shyama Osborne, who is living in a month-to- month lease at the Edgerly property.

The Battistone Foundation says state and local laws will protect the tenants.

Santa Barbara City Council Member Wendy Santa Maria says the city has made a lot of progress in terms of passing ordinances to protect tenants, but ultimately she wants to make sure this senior community won’t be pushed out, and that means putting things in writing.

“We really can’t control what a future buyer is going to do with this property and with the tenants unless there is some sort of agreement and a covenant. And of course, the big question is who is going to buy it?” said Santamaria.

The Battistone Foundation says there is a possibility that they sell to another non-profit.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – This weekend, a set-up of antennas will be laid out in a focused area of Chase Palm Park for 24 hours to test the amateur radio system that could be extremely valuable in Santa Barbara County in an emergency.

The emergency communications work will involve veterans, new operators and youth. It’s called a ‘Field Day.’

Amateur Radio Club Board Member Warren Myers said, “it gives all amateur radio operators a chance to practice the art, to set up their stations, make sure they work.”

Operators say the equipment and technology goes back more than 100 years and modernization makes it a valuable communication device in modern times.

Cell phone towers are not as reliable as the public may think and they can go out in some situations involving fires, debris flows and earthquakes

It would affect the internet and phone calls.

Each year, the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club (SBARC) makes sure its equipment is working and can communicate outside the area, but also within the disaster zone. Emergency officials have been assisted many times by the clubs staff.

The Amateur Radio Field Day, with involve radio users in North America and locally it will be a two-day event June 28–29 at Chase Palm Park. This is the 92nd year for the event. It is open to the public.

“If the county, fire, police, emergency responders need it, which thankfully doesn’t happen very often. So we have that capability,” said Myers. There are backup batteries and sites that will be functional in a disaster.

This year there will also be a special radio station on State Street downtown as part of the 1925 earthquake reenactment.

At the Chase Palm Park Field Day site, SBARC will operate three High Frequency (HF) stations, powered entirely by emergency generators. The public is encouraged to drop by, ask questions, and learn how these stations connect with others across the globe — entirely off-grid. Licensed amateur radio operators are invited to operate under the club’s call sign, within the privileges of their license.

Local scouts will be on hand to assist and fulfill requirements for their Radio Merit Badge. With hands-on demonstrations and real-world communication scenarios, Field Day is an introduction to the world of radio for all ages.

The club also has a new site on TV hill at 400. feet to help with communications. “We now have coverage of not only the whole Central Coast , Camarillo to Goleta, but also over the mountain pass.  And to Santa Ynez, Buellton and, even as far as Santa Maria,” said Myers.

The lease on the former site nearby with the city was not renewed because of a large water storage project taking place.

More information can be found at: : www.sbarc.org

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Andrew Gillies

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. – Charges of voter registration fraud, filing a false declaration of candidacy, fraudulent voting, failure to file campaign finance reports, and perjury have been filed against Gaea Edde Powell for her actions during the 2022 and 2024 election cycle.

According to the criminal complaint filed on June 24, 2025, Powell allegedly registered to vote at an address in Arroyo Grande where she did not live on July 12, 2022.

Powell was actually living in a rural area outside of the city limits noted the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office in a press release Thursday.

After that alleged voter registration fraud, a violation of Elections Code section 18100(a), Powell is alleged to have also committed the following crimes during the same 2022 election cycle: falsely declaring under penalty of perjury the location of her home address, submitting false nomination paperwork, failing to file campaign finance reports, and voting in an election she was not legally entitled to vote detailed the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.

The criminal complaint further alleged that during the 2024 election cycle, Powell voted in an election where she was not legally entitled to vote in March, falsely declared under penalty of perjury the location of her home address, submitted false nomination paperwork, and voted in an election where she was not legally entitled to vote again but this time in November of the same year.

Eight of Powell’s nine charged counts are felony offenses added the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.

Powell will be scheduled for an arraignment on her filed charges after she surrenders to the court, files a bond, or is booked on the criminal complaint by law enforcement shared the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.

This case is being prosecuted by the Public Integrity Unit of the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.

“The integrity of our electoral system depends on all participants following the law, and my office will not tolerate attempts to undermine that integrity through fraudulent conduct,” said San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow. “Ms. Powell’s alleged actions over multiple election cycles represent a serious breach of the public trust, and these charges demonstrate our commitment to holding accountable anyone who attempts to manipulate our elections processes. We will always dutifully follow the evidence wherever it leads to ensure that the community can trust that there will be accountability without any political bias or motivation.”

San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano issued the following statement Thursday regarding the charges against Powell, “Election security and integrity are of the utmost importance. My office will always support law enforcement efforts to ensure that any allegation of fraudulent activity is investigated and handled promptly and appropriately.”

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