Author: KEYT

Andrew Gillies

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District announced an upgraded version of its Permitted Facilities Map, an interactive online tool of the county’s permitted stationary sources of air pollution.

Upgrades include real-time Air Quality Index updates, enhanced search options, improved graphics, and comprehensive facility data as well as mobile and tablet friendly versions shared the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District in a press release Wednesday.

The county-wide organization first launched its Permitted Facilities Map in 2017 and was designed to be a tool for the public to use to access and visualize stationary sources of pollution the regulator assesses explained the District.

“We are proud to be one of the only air districts in California to provide such a transparent way for thepublic to access facility records,” said Aeron Arlin Genet, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District. “Whether someone is casually searching for information or looking to do an in-depth search, our map provides a complete picture for all of the sources within our regulatory jurisdiction.”

The image above is taken from the upgraded Permitted Facilities Map. Those diamonds with numbers inside are the Air Pollution Control District’s Air Monitoring Stations that are updated with the latest Air Quality Index information.

Each of the other items on the map are clickable inputs that list important information about each stationary source including permits, annual reports, emissions, and Notices of Violation.

Not pictured in the image above is a universal search box at the top right of the map that can be used to search for the following inputs:

Facility Name

Five-Digit Facility ID Number

Facility Type (A handy drop down menu below the search bar allows users to sort by category)

Company Name (Both Current and Historical)

Four Digit SIC Number

Five Digit Stationary Source ID Number

Facility Street Address

Facility APN (Assessor’s Parcel Number)

Permit Number

Permit Description

Equipment Description

The map below, courtesy of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, shows the exact locations of those ambient air monitoring stations.

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District jurisdiction includes the cities of Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria; unincorporated areas of the County of Santa Barbara; the Channel Islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara; and offshore oil platforms.

Still have questions?

Visit the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s ‘About the Permitted Facilities Map’ webpage.

Click here to follow the original article.

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Holy Sheep!

Yesterday morning, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers wrangled over 300 sheep that broke loose from their pen and decided to take a trip down Mountain Drive in Santa Barbara.

The fluffy wanderers caused an unique traffic jam, likely just on the hunt for some grass to munch on.

CHP detailed in a playful post how officers were able to help the owner get the sheep back home, and luckily, “everyone is baaahck to their normal routine.”

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.

Allison Winslow

LOS ALAMOS, Calif. – This week, Brenda McCarthy is competing at the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Show Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. The Los Alamos resident has been riding horses her whole life and owns Green Wings Ranch.

From now until July 1st, McCarthy will compete in 5 different events: English Hunter Under Saddle, English Showmanship, Western Trail, Western horsemanship, and Western Pleasure.

McCarthy has already won some hardware. On June 24th, her and her horse Chris (show name “Ay Bay Bay”) competed in the amateur and intermediate Hunt Seat Equitation, earning world champion buckles in both classes.

McCarthy bought Chris from Erin Bradshaw, the daughter of NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw, three years ago.

It’s been a long road for the pair. Just last year, while in Scottsdale, Arizona, Chris nearly died from Salmonella poisoning. Thanks to a team of doctors and intensive training, Chris was able to make a full recovery. McCarthy never gave up and now her and Chris are competing on a global stage.

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.

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Santa Maria regarding Fireworks Sales and Reporting for the upcoming Independence Day holiday

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – With the Fourth of July approaching, the City of Santa Maria encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly, and is again offering tools for residents to report illegal fireworks.

Sales of “Safe and Sane” fireworks begin at 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 28th, from 24 licensed booths to benefit nonprofit groups.

The 12-hour period on the Fourth of July from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. is the only time “Safe and Sane” fireworks may be used within the City Limits.

Santa Maria residents may report illegal fireworks using the City’s fireworks hotline of 925-0951 extension 3473 (FIRE).

Santa Maria residents may request the issuance of an administrative citation for the possession, manufacture, storing, selling, handling, or usage of illegal fireworks through the third-party administrative citation process. All witnesses are requested to submit documentary evidence in the form of photos and/or video of the alleged violation. See www.cityofsantamaria.org/fireworks.

Free “noise sensitive resident lives here” fireworks yard signs are available in English and in Spanish, at City Hall, 110 East Cook Street, for Santa Maria residents.

Anyone caught using any fireworks on other days will be subject to a $1,000 fine. In 2024, the City issued 63 citations at $1,000 apiece.

Department: City Manager’s OfficeContact Person: Mark van de Kamp, Public Information ManagerTelephone Number: (805) 925-0951 ext. 2372 or (805) 720-4038E-mail Address: mvandekamp@cityofsantamaria.org

Traducción en español:

A medida que se acerca el 4 de julio, la Ciudad de Santa María alienta a todos a celebrar de manera responsable y, nuevamente, ofrece herramientas para que los residentes denuncien los fuegos artificiales ilegales.

Las ventas de fuegos artificiales “seguros y sanos” comienzan a las 12:00 del mediodía del viernes 28 de junio, en 24 puestos con licencia para beneficiar a grupos sin fines de lucro.

El período de 12 horas del 4 de julio de 11:00 a.m. a 11:00 p.m. dentro de los límites de la Ciudad, es el único momento en que se pueden usar fuegos artificiales “seguros y sanos”

Los residentes de Santa María pueden denunciar los fuegos artificiales ilegales utilizando la línea directa de fuegos artificiales de la Ciudad al número (805) 925- 0951 extensión 3473 (FIRE), que se traduce a fuego.

Los residentes de Santa María pueden solicitar la emisión de una citación administrativa por la posesión, fabricación, almacenamiento, venta, manejo o uso de fuegos artificiales ilegales a través del proceso de citación administrativa de terceros. Se solicita a todos los testigos que presenten pruebas documentales en forma de fotos y/o videos de la presunta violación. Visite www.cityofsantamaria.org/fireworks.

Los letreros gratuitos de fuegos artificiales para el patio que dicen “un residente sensible al ruido vive aquí” están disponibles en inglés y en español, en el Ayuntamiento, 110 East Cook Street, para los residentes de Santa María.

Cualquier persona que se encuentre usando fuegos artificiales en otros días estará sujeto a una multa de $1,000. En 2024, la Ciudad emitió de 63 multas a $1,000 cada una.

Departamento: Oficina del Administrador de la CiudadPersona de Contacto: Mark van de Kamp, Gerente de Información PúblicaNúmero de teléfono: (805) 925-0951 ext. 2372 o (805) 720-4038Dirección de correo electrónico: mvandekamp@cityofsantamaria.org

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

GOLETA, Calif. — Emergency vehicles filled the parking lot at Direct Relief headquarters in Goleta on Wednesday, but it wasn’t due to a crisis.

Various emergency agencies gathered for a large-scale disaster response training event aimed at improving readiness and coordination in the face of future disasters. The training comes in the shadow of a historic milestone—the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake, which devastated the region and reshaped emergency preparedness in California.

Participants in the training included the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, the Search Dog Foundation, and other emergency response organizations.

“We do practices where we sit and role-play through what that disaster could be,” said Kelly Hubbard, director of the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management.

The 1925 earthquake struck just before 7 a.m. on June 29, registering an estimated magnitude of 6.8. Its epicenter was located offshore in the Santa Barbara Channel, only a few miles from the city. Despite its moderate magnitude, the proximity to downtown caused widespread destruction.

More than 85% of the commercial buildings in downtown Santa Barbara were damaged or destroyed, including the courthouse, library, hotels, and churches. Historic structures like the Mission Santa Barbara sustained major damage, with its iconic twin towers collapsing. Fires broke out after the quake, but were quickly controlled thanks to the rapid shutoff of gas lines.

One of the most catastrophic failures was the collapse of the Sheffield Dam, located near present-day Alameda Park. The dam failure released an estimated 30 million gallons of water, sending a flood through a portion of the city and destroying homes, vehicles, and infrastructure in its path. Remarkably, no deaths were reported as a direct result of the dam’s collapse.

Reflecting on lessons from the past while planning for future emergencies, Chief Deputy Brad Welch of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shared his perspective on preparedness.

“And how we as a Sheriff’s office can help protect and get our community ready in the case that it does happen and we need to get everybody out fast—but also very safely.”

In the wake of the 1925 quake, Santa Barbara underwent a significant rebuilding effort. The disaster prompted new building codes across California and led to the city’s transformation into the Spanish Colonial Revival style still seen today.

Organizers of Wednesday’s training emphasized the importance of collaboration among first responders, emergency managers, and public officials. They say continued joint exercises help ensure that communities are prepared not just to respond—but to recover—when the next major disaster strikes.

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.

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce regarding Vendor, Entertainment, and Car Show Applications for the Goleta Lemon Festival taking place September 27 & 28, 2025

GOLETA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for food vendors, arts & crafts, commercial, non-profit, political booths, Goleta Fall Classic Car Show entries, and entertainment acts at the 32nd Annual Goleta Lemon Festival.

The Goleta Lemon Festival, presented by Rusty’s Pizza, draws tens of thousands each September to celebrate local heritage. The two-day celebration features lemon-inspired cuisine, arts & crafts, kid-friendly activities, live music, “Safety Street,” pie-eating contests, and the ever-popular Classic Car Show. Held at Girsh Park, admission and parking are free.

Vendor Opportunities & Deadlines:

Food Vendors

Deadline: Friday, August 8, 2025

Apply: via the Food Vendor Packet on LemonFestival.com/vendors

Vendor Booths: Arts & Crafts, Commercial, Political, Non-profit

Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025

Apply: via the Vendor Booth Application on LemonFestival.com/vendors

Entertainment Acts: Musicians, Bands, Dancers, Youth Groups, and other performers.

Scheduled performances will take place on both the UCLA Health Main Stage and Point Market Community Stage throughout the weekend.

Lineup finalized by: Friday, July 18, 2025

Apply: LemonFestival.com/activities-entertainment/

Goleta Fall Classic Car Show – Saturday, September 27

Check-in: 7 AM – 9 AM; Show Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM; Judging: 9 AM – 12 PM; Awards Ceremony: 2:30 PM

The 18th Annual Goleta Fall Classic, sponsored by Ruth Ann Bowe, Village Properties, invites a wide range of entries—from Corvettes, Camaros, trucks and pickups. Unique awards will be presented across categories like “1930–1939,” “Muscle,” “Bitchin’ Paint,” “Best Interior,” and new this year – “Fan Favorite”.

Registration: Now open at LemonFestival.com/goleta‑fall‑classic

Early registration rate is $50 and includes a Goleta Fall Classic t-shirt. Register by September 19, 2025 to receive the discounted rate.

The festival could not happen without the many volunteers ages 14 and up who spend time planning the festival and lending a hand over the weekend. Visit LemonFestival.com to sign up!

The Goleta Lemon Festival is from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday & Sunday, September 27 & 28, 2025. For more information, visit LemonFestival.com.

The Goleta Lemon Festival is organized by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce from Goleta to Carpinteria.

Thank you to our Sponsors:Presenting Sponsor: Rusty’s Pizza

Main Squeeze Sponsors: Community West Bank, Cox Communications, MarBorg Industries, Rincon Broadcasting, Ruth Ann Bowe – Village Properties, Santa Barbara Airport, Signature Aviation, Spectrum Reach, The Point Market, UCLA Health, Visit Santa Barbara.

Lemon Slice Sponsors: American Riviera Bank, Blue Star Parking, Courtyard by Marriott, Goleta West Sanitary District, Ice in Paradise, Residence Inn by Marriott, The Berry Man.

Lemon Zest Sponsors: Atlantic Aviation, Chevron,  edhat.com, Goleta Sanitary District, Goleta Water District, Good Land Wine Shop & Bar, Majestic Asset Management, Noozhawk, Pacific Surfliner, Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara Zoo, Southern California Edison, Tammy Dobrotin State Farm Agency, TEAM Solutions Group, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, UC Santa Barbara, Village Properties.

Event Supporters: 92.9 KJEE, Anna’s Bakery, Branches Mobile Gallery, Bright Event Rentals, Camino Real Marketplace, Cumulus Radio Station, Foundation for Girsh Park, Granite Construction, JANO Printing & Mailworks, KEYT, Lure Digital, M.Special Brewing Co., Por La Mar Nursery, Santa Barbara Cider Co., Santa Barbara MTD, Tri-Valley Trophies & Specialties, Univision, We R Films.

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.

Joey Vergilis

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – From the hardwood at the Thunderdome to the bright lights of Hollywood, proud UC Santa Barbara alum and former Gaucho forward, JD Slajchert, is continuing to make the Gaucho family proud with an Emmy nomination.

His Spectrum SportsNet feature, Beyond the Sport: JD Slajchert and the Lucstrong Foundation, is now in the running for one of television’s highest honors — a Los Angeles-Area Emmy nomination for Sports Feature of the Year — to be awarded July 26th at the Skirball Cultural Center.

“It feels just incredible, it’s so reaffirming to the work we’ve been putting in for so long to culminate in this way with an Emmy nomination” said Slajchert.

Slajchert says he draws strength from his deep roots in the Santa Barbara community, leaning on their support and rallying excitement as the big day approaches.

“This really is an award that took place primarily during my time as an athlete at UCSB, and to see the Santa Barbra community, really rallying behind me to say ‘lets try and help JD win this award’ is so humbling, so amazing and not something I could’ve ever dreamed of when I was an athlete here,” Slajchert says.

The American novelist, speaker, philanthropist, and screenwriter formed a close bond with a young man named Luc Boden, who battled Sickle Cell Disease. 

That friendship inspired him to start the LucStrong Foundation, a registered non-profit that supports children living with the disease.

JD serves as the Director of Relationship Development at the LucStrong Foundation, where he focuses on donor and community outreach, helping build meaningful connections between supporters and the children they serve. 

Catch JD’s Emmy-nominated Spectrum SportsNet feature, Beyond the Sport: JD Slajchert – Spectrum Story, now on his website and follow him on Instagram for exclusive updates leading up to the big night!

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. – The Santa Barbara County Grand Jury has issued a strongly-worded report on e-bike enforcement and education for riders in the region, specifically in the City of Santa Barbara.

They called the investigation ‘a sense of urgency’ after numerous complaints and public comments about the increase in e-bikes and the safety issues that have been reported both in the main downtown area and other sectors of the community. That would include school routes and the bike paths at the beaches.

It said in a clear, direct statement: “Public safety is at risk.”

 “Public safety is our number one priority. So when there’s a report stating that we’re not doing enough to address this, then it should be in the forefront of what we’re planning to do for for the city overall,” said City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez. He is the owner of an e-bike and rides it often through his Westside district and around downtown.

The report shows bike related crashes as reported to the police and at Cottage Hospital, but points out the way the crashes are or are not reported indicates the numbers are likely low.

The hospital data shows bike riders have suffered injuries to their head, arms, and legs.

The Grand Jury details went through the process of identifying what the difference is between various e-bikes. It also went through the process of how state and local laws have been changed to keep up with the vehicle types and the issues with riders.

E-bikes considered e-motorcycles are absolutely not allowed on the street and will be impounded. In Santa Barbara, the report says that has already happened. It also says citations have been issued and in some cases parents have been notified if the rider is underage.

Administrative fines for citations start at $100. and can go up to $500.d

The Santa Barbara Police Department has started enforcement efforts with a new ordinance and rules, but the report says there has been no extra staff or funds to help carry out the added duties. The Grand Jury recommends “a more consistent and strategic approach to unsafe actions by e-bike riders to bring about needed changes in behavior.”

Gutierrez said, “we’ve been trying to address this issue since the start of the pandemic, and the report somewhat alluded to that in parts of it. And, I can’t really find anything I disagree with in the report. ” With the new police enforcement, he said,  “I personally have seen a change in some of the e-bike riders. I don’t see them being as reckless as they were prior to the police increased enforcement.”

The enforcement has been with bicycle cops and officers on motorcycles.

The report says with the new ordinance there has not been an adequate amount of community outreach to educate the public about the laws and the riding risks.

The Grand Jury recommends an expanded community-wide public information campaign.

Part of the investigation included social media.

Numerous messages and posts cited bad behavior and near accidents on the part of e-bike riders. Accidents have been verified by local police and hospital records.

One person died in May on State Street downtown in an e-bike crash. It involved a suspected drunk driver and the incident is currently in the court system.

One rider on an e-motorcycle bike or “pocket bike” said “Yeah, it’s so fun riding. It’s an awesome bike  Yeah.” Michael Firestone says he does’t do wheelies. ” I’m a good boy, you know?” He was wearing full safety gear at the time including a full face helmet.

Three Junior High students said they are not happy with friends who are dangerous on any bike. Aaron Horta said police came to his school to do a safety presentation and, “they did a demonstration if a car backed out of a driveway, how long it  would take you to stop before you got to the back of the car.”

It’s not uncommon for people to have had a bad experience around dangerous riders, that includes knowing of  people with injuries.

Happy Beltran said a friend was hit and wounded. “She got her legs hurt and she had to go to the hospital to get better and she got better but  that guy didn’t stop at all. “

Luis Sanchez said, “I feel like it could be safer because sometimes people don’t really look when they cross. I have almost been hit by an e-bike I feel like it could be safer.”

The report focused on safety only although in recent months there’s been a larger community discussion taking place on the possible economic impacts of the e-bikes in the retail and restaurant promenade.

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

OCEANO, Calif. – Some San Luis Obispo county residents will likely be having a quieter Independence Day this year.

Oceano is no longer allowing any fireworks at all.

They used to allow safe-and-sane fireworks, but a change in the source of the community’s fire and safety services means that’s no longer the case.

Oceano’s fire protection has been handled by the Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) for the last fifteen years, paying Five Cities Fire Authority for coverage.

“About 2010, a Joint Powers Authority came together and that was Oceano Community Services District and the cities of Grover Beach,” says Peter Brown, general manager for Oceano Community Services District. “And Arroyo Grande and the Five Cities Fire Authority was formed to provide fire and emergency response to those three communities.”

Up until last year, this relationship enabled city authorities to allow the use of safe and sane fireworks, but OCSD has had to divest from the community’s fire protection due to an increase in costs.

“It’s a bit of a transition right now as we figure out, you know, how this works because it defaults to the county,” says Ryan Grebe, public information officer for Cal Fire SLO. “But when an area does default to the county fire for fire protection, they do need to fall under all those fire codes and ordinances.”

As a result of this divestment, Oceano now falls under unincorporated SLO county’s jurisdiction.

Under their rules, even the use of safe and sane fireworks is prohibited.

“There will be enforcement, I think both the sheriff’s department and code enforcement officers and firefighters will be making sure that residents are complying,” says Brown. “And so we’re just hoping to get the word out and help people know that, you know, fireworks are no longer allowed in Oceano.”

The use of illegal fireworks has been and will continue to be aggressively penalized, now aided by the use of drones and other technology.

“We totally understand that that’s an inconvenience for people that have been doing it that long,” says Grebe. “But unfortunately, that’s the direction we’re heading.”

Those wishing to watch fireworks this year will need to explore alternatives in neighboring cities, who will be offering a variety of authentic fireworks displays.

The City of Santa Maria also reminds residents that the 12-hour period on the Fourth of July from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. is the only time “Safe and Sane” fireworks may be used within the City Limits. Anyone caught using any fireworks on other days will be subject to a $1,000 fine.

And if you’re up for a little traveling you might even be able to find a drone show.

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

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — A fire in a Santa Barbara’s Lower Riviera neighborhood Tuesday afternoon prompted a swift response from emergency crews and startled nearby residents.

Reports of smoke coming from a three-story, split-level, multi-family structure at 1750 Prospect Avenue came in just before 12:20 p.m. Santa Barbara City Fire crews and police arrived within minutes to find smoke and flames coming from the second floor of the building.

Firefighters achieved a full knockdown within 10 minutes. No injuries were reported.

Smoke was seen billowing from the upper unit as residents evacuated.

A tenant said he was asleep when the fire broke out.

“I grabbed my shirt, grabbed my shoes, my phone, my wallet — because I didn’t know what was going on. When I got outside, I noticed they were focused on the upstairs unit,” said resident Logan Lewis of Santa Barbara.

“There was smoke coming out the front door, so we pulled an attack line, and the fire has been taken care of,” said firefighter Jack Franklin of the Santa Barbara City Fire Department.

Some roads, including Prospect Avenue, were shut down for several hours during the emergency response.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Click here to follow the original article.