Mike Klan
UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Ian Fernandez, Xavier Esquer and Cole Kosciusko all slugged solo home runs as the Gauchos beat Pepperdine 9-4.
UCSB also added four doubles as seven of their nine hits went for extra-bases as they improve to 21-10 on the year.
The Gaucho return to Big West play this weekend at UC Riverside.
Caleb Nguyen
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara City Councilmember Eric Friedman suffered a heart attack Saturday afternoon while paddling off the city’s coast, according to a press release from Ben Romo.
Friedman, 51, represents the 5th District and was first elected to the City Council in 2017. He is currently in the midst of a five-year term that began in 2021.
The Santa Barbara City Council canceled its upcoming April 8 meeting due to Friedman’s medical incident.
Romo’s statement detailed that Friedman was sedated overnight as a precautionary measure and was awake, alert, and aware of the incident as of Sunday afternoon.
Two of Friedman’s friends were with him at the time and administered CPR immediately before he was taken to Cottage Hospital for further care, according to Romo’s statement.
Friedman’s family asks the public not to contact him during this time so he can focus on his health, but they thank everyone for their support and well wishes, according to Romo.
The family also noted that Friedman had no history of heart disease or prior symptoms and is encouraging everyone to become CPR certified in light of this incident, Romo added.
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Local students, parents, educators and members of a group called Youthclusive took part in a “Rally for the Arts” outside the Santa Barbara Unified School Board meeting on Wednesday.
Santa Barbara High School English teacher Robert Nava said he was one of the teachers who recently received a Reduction In Force notice known as an RIF.
“I recently received, reduction in force notice. And so that means that I may be let go, but it’s still up in the air,” said Nava.
Nava’s students held signs asking the board to save his job.
But Nava isn’t hopeful. This is his first year teaching and he believes the last hired are the first to go.
“You love what you do, but you also know that there’s that possibility that you might not be able to come back, “said Nava.
Many of the young musicians played their instruments along Santa Barbara Street.
Some people driving by beeped their horns.
This isn’t the first time they have rallied outside the regular meeting and may not be the last.
Cuts to music-related education were not on the board’s agenda, but rally participants, including San Marco High School student Naomi Jane Voigt, spoke during public comments.
The Teen Star award winner said she is speaking on behalf of the elementary and middle schools too.
Voigt helped organize the protest – she and her mother Michele Voigt spoke to the board during public comments.
“This is no way treat our teachers. These programs are a priority to our district and to our community, and we are not stopping,” said Michele Voigt.
Amber Coltrin said she was too late to sign up to speak.
She said she had rushed to the meeting from San Marcos High School’s spring musical Urinetown rehearsal.
“Without vocal music, I feel like there would be a lot more mental health issues like depression,” said Coltrin.
Coltrin said the creative arts has helped her and many of her classmates deal with mental health issues.
Santa Barbara High School is in rehearsal for Hadestown.
The cast stood in front of the school board with music playing from their spring musical, but they did not sing.
Margo Carmean, who plays Orpheus, in the musical hopes their silent protest sends a message.
“For the longest time when I’ve been doing arts classes, it felt like I’ve had to fight for them to exist and all the sports teams and other programs at school get a lot of funding,” said Carmean.
SBHS Theater Director Gioia Marchese hopes the district can make cuts elsewhere.
“What students need more than anything is to reconnect with their humanity,” said Marchese.
Santa Barbara Junior High Teacher Rich Lushua told the board he was named the 2025 Performing Arts Teacher of the Year.
Lushua said he worries cuts to programs will prevent students from continuing their arts education as they move from elementary school to junior high and then to high school.
Some student singers and musicians would like administrative costs to be cut in order to keep music related education staffed.
But a district handout said “Santa Barbara Unified School Distict is facing difficult financial realities, with a $9.65 million budget reduction this year and an anticipated $4 million shortfall next year unless revenues and expenditures change.”
District officials have said they are mandated to hand out RIF notices by March 15 with final decisions announced by May 15th.
Even so, the district stands by their “Every child, Every chance, Every day” mission statement.
Dave Alley
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. – The newest roundabout on Highway 154 has reached a major milestone in its long construction project.
Caltrans reported the roundabout, which is located near Los Olivos at the intersection of Highway 154, along with Edison Street and Baseline Avenue, is now open to travelers in both directions heading north and south.
The new roundabout replaces a four-way stop at the intersection that for years featured a blinking light the hung close to Valley of the Shepard Lutheran Church.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that it will improve safety tremendously and that we witnessed many near accidents with the flashing lights here,” said past church president Marv Newton. “Previously, when people would realize the at the last second they were supposed to stop, and did not do that until they slid into the intersection, so I do believe safety will be greatly enhanced.”
Construction at the site is still ongoing and the west side of the intersection of Baseline Street/Edison Avenue will remain closed until all work has been completed.
Caltrans added the roundabout is being installed on the busy roadway to improve safety at the busy location.
“Without a doubt, I believe the roundabout will improve the safety condition at this intersection because it will prevent people from having to come to a complete stop and wait and impatience is generally what causes accidents,” said Newton. “Safety is the primary goal. I came here in 1971. There was nowhere near this traffic and nowhere near the speed that people are using on Highway 154, which is a major factor in any accident.”
The roundabout joins another one that was built in 2014 and is located about two miles south at the intersection of Highways 154 and 246.
According to Caltrans, the $8.7 million project also includes the installation of curb ramps, rumble strips and a lighting system and is expected to be completed sometime this spring.
News Channel 3-12
Below is a press release from USA Today regarding their 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards naming Pismo Beach, CA, “Best Coastal Small Town in the USA.”
PISMO BEACH, Calif. – After a month-long national competition to see who is the best in travel, the votes have been tallied and USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards has officially named Pismo Beach (https://experiencepismobeach.com) the #1 Best Coastal Small Town in America.
The results were publicly announced on April 9. This national recognition celebrates the beauty and spirit of coastal communities. The final results are published at 10best.usatoday.com, with the top ten winners announced as:
1. Pismo Beach, California
2. Cedar Key, Florida
3. Castine, Maine
4. Bar Harbor, Maine
5. Morro Bay, California
6. Gulf Shores, Alabama
7. Stuart, Florida
8. Duck, North Carolina
9. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
10. Beaufort, South Carolina
Pismo Beach is no stranger to the USA Today competition, coming in fifth place in 2023 and second place in 2018 for “Best Small Coastal Town”. Neighboring town Morro Bay ranked #5 on this year’s list, with fantastic representation from San Luis Obispo County.
“This honor belongs to our entire community,” said Gordon Jackson, the Director of Tourism and Events for the Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. “Our friendly locals and vibrant downtown make Pismo Beach the Classic California coastal experience, and we’re thrilled to share it with the world.”
About USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards
USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate outstanding travel, food, and lifestyle destinations across the U.S., with nominees selected by a panel of travel experts and winners determined by public vote. Each category showcases beloved places and experiences that resonate with travelers, offering trusted recommendations for exploring the best the country has to offer.
About the City of Pismo Beach:
Located on California’s iconic Highway 1, right on the Central Coast, Pismo Beach is the epitome of a California beach town. With cliffside ocean views, a lively and walkable downtown, extensive outdoor adventures, and a laid-back vibe from the locals, visitors get the perfect balance of excitement and tranquility. Whether surfing, kayaking, watching wildlife, wine tasting, clamming, or catching a sunset over the pier, Pismo Beach provides a serene getaway for all travelers. Follow the adventures on Instagram and Facebook: @PismoBeachCA and facebook.com/PismoBeachCa/.
Alissa Orozco
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Agricultural teacher, Marc DeBernardi, has been recognized by the California FFA Foundation as the 2024-2025 “Ag Educator of the Year.”
DeBernardi is an agricultural teacher at Santa Maria High School whose passion for agriculture and his commitment to his students has earned him the Golden Owl Award, on top of the Ag Educator of the Year award.
DeBernardi was formally recognized as the Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the California FFA State Leadership Conference in Sacramento on April 4th where he received the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 check to further invest in Santa Maria High School’s agricultural education efforts.
”It’s an honor to be recognized by the California FFA Foundation, California Farm Bureau, and Nationwide for the work we do in agricultural education. It’s truly been a privilege. I’ve taught for 29 years, and during that time, I’ve had the opportunity to serve not only my students but also California FFA. It’s been a joy — I love what I do, and it’s a rewarding profession,” DeBernardi said.
DeBernardi was one of six finalists who also attended the conference in Sacramento, each finalists were presented with personalized plaques and a $500 donation towards their school’s educational efforts.
The fellow finalists included: Carrie Phillips, Altaville-Bret Harte FFA, Lori Porter, Livermore FFA, Vernon Clark, Bakersfield-Foothill FFA, Krystal Thomas, San Marcos FFA, Jim Shanks, Dorris-Butte Valley FFA.
Alissa Orozco
GOLETA, Calif. – Local residents filled the Goleta Community Center on Tuesday to hear from local officials at the annual State of the City.
The event brought city leaders, superintendents, representatives, and organizations together to recap the year, future projects, and even answer questions from the crowd. This is the first State of the City that brought together the four council members since the city was divided into districts, Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), James Kyriaco (District 2), Jennifer Smith (District 3), and Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4).
Various booths showcased different departments and plans from the city, giving residents the opportunity to interact with city leaders.
Community Relations Manager, Kelly Hoover, acted as host of the event
Residents piled into the community center’s main room to hear Mayor Paula Perotte’s opening speech, where she focused on major five categories: Public Safety, Affordable Housing, Quality of Life, Environmental Protections, and Community Engagement.
She began with the $11.5 million budget dedicated to Goleta’s police force, a $4 million growth in the agreement with the county, leading a to 15 percent decrease in overall crime in the city. The city utilized this increased law enforcement has help address homelessness encampments.
This clean-up has helped with overall fire prevention, including the removal of dead trees and brush at the Ellwood Mesa. The new Fire Station 10 is ready for construction, but funding is still needed, totaling a cost of $27 million dollars.
The city has also put millions into infrastructure and pavement improvements, adding 2,000 feet of sidewalks in Old Town, 17 miles of bike lanes, and 7 new pedestrian crosswalks around the city.
In regards to housing, five major housing projects were approved to add 1,143 units to the city, 245 of which will be affordable. This is part of the city’s overall plan to free more space to Goleta residents, current taken up by UC Santa Barbara students.
Perotte highlighted the legal settlement the city reached with UCSB mandating the university to provide 3,500 student beds by 2027.
The city has also made major improvements to four neighborhood parks with new playgrounds, and the Goleta Community Center received a multipurpose field and additional pickleball courts. Perotte included the Stow Grove master plan for the city’s first universally accessible playground, Perotte says “funds are being sought to make this plan a reality.”
Additional praises were made towards the city efforts for more community engagement including expanded Spanish translation at Tuesday’s meeting and every City Council meeting.
Following the mayor, City Manager Robert Nisbet broke down the city’s main sources of revenue: property tax, sales tax, and TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax or Hotel Tax). He explained how sales tax is becoming the biggest source of revenue since Measure B was voted in, authorizing sales tax to be increased by 1 percent. Totaling a predicted income of $51.4 million, 66% increase over the past five years.
He presented the five biggest projects coming to the city totaling roughly $210.3 million.
These projects include Project Connect, Goleta Train Depot, Goleta Valley Library Improvement Project, San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path, and Cathedral Oaks Crib Wall Repair.
Nisbet said these projects are fully-funded through grants, donations, and outside funding. Money had been put aside for these projects, but the city did take $35.7 million in loans to pay for the San Jose Path Project and the Cathedral Oaks Crib Wall Repair.
These two projects are set to go into construction within the next 18 months.
City Officials sat down for a Q&A at the end of the night
The night wrapped up with a short Q&A style panel with questions from residents. The questions ranged from inquiries about infrastructure, concerns about parking, to traffic enforcements.
The City of Goleta is hosting two upcoming events, which the community is invitied to join in on – Beautify Goleta Earth Day Event on April 19th and the Ellwood Mesa Sperling Preserve 20th Anniversary Celebration on May 17th.
Jarrod Zinn
GROVER BEACH, Calif. – A Grover Beach police officer is being praised for his alertness and quick action this last weekend.
Local residents can rest easy knowing authorities are present, alert, and quick to respond to any kind of situation, even in the dead of night.
The officer saved a family from a house fire, that they weren’t even aware of yet.
On Sunday just after midnight, officer Reyna of Grover Beach Police was on routine patrol when he detected the distinct odor of smoke in the air.
“He smelt something that was similar to something burning, which is at that time of night or early morning is kind of unique, especially when it’s not cold and people don’t have their fireplaces going,” says Jeremy Douglas, Grover Beach Police patrol sergeant.
Officer Reyna was able to awaken the two adults in the house and get them safely out while five cities fire authority responded quickly, putting the fire out right away.
“It was a single family residence. Two adults that lived there. No children or no one else that I’m aware of,” says Sgt. Douglas.
The specific cause of this particular fire is still under investigation and undetermined. But officials do have some important safety reminders for the public.
“In this instance, there wasn’t a smoke alarm. So we highly encourage check your smoke detectors, change your batteries out every time you change your clocks. Really be diligent about maintaining orderly cleanliness in your homes. If you’re running extension cords only do it for a temporary purpose, not for permanent. If you are having electrical work done, make sure you have it done by a professional,” says Craig Angello, Five Cities Fire Authority battalion chief.
Both departments have acknowledged their strong working relationship with each other, and they pay their compliments to officer Reyna’s alertness and quick actions, which spared lives and property.
The power is back on and the residents are back in their home while the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
Mina Wahab
OXNARD, Calif. — Between undocumented farm workers not showing up for work, to the slew of fires a few months ago, it’s been a difficult year for farm owner Uriel Hernandez.
“We kind of leave the politics outside of farming, but unfortunately, you kind of get dragged into it,” said the Oxnard-based Seacliff Farms Owner.
Now, the biggest concern for Hernandez is the tariffs. “As it is, the margins for a small operation like myself are small. You put a 10%, 15% tariffs on top of some of the items we need to produce. I mean, it’s going to squeeze us quite a bit more,” said Hernandez. On Wednesday, President Trump issued a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs with most countries, in order to allow trade negotiations with those countries. But China’s sky-high tariffs remain in effect.
“A lot of people don’t understand that China doesn’t pay the tariffs. They just charge more. Okay. So, the consumers end up getting that cost for the most part,” said Oxnard resident, Bruce Kelly. Many are worried these tariffs will hurt working class Americans the most. “It is a little more difficult for those that are working here, though, who are making minimum wage to like afford and save for that because we can be here like countless hours, but like there’s only so much that we can like make,” said Honeycup Coffee Manager, Alyssa Vega.
Something as simple as buying your favorite fruit like a strawberry could go up depending on what happens with these tariffs. “I am kind of scared to see a rise in the prices of everyday goods, even groceries. Living is just going to be so expensive now,” said Bianca Santos, who lives in Oxnard. Still, some are hopeful that the tariffs will help American businesses. Others like Haas, an Oxnard based machine tool manufacturer, say they feel they’re being penalized for buying parts from China they can’t buy from anywhere else.
They say they will ultimately have to decide between raising their prices, which will make them lose market shares, or maintaining current pricing, which means losing money.
Patricia Martellotti
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – Ventura County Fire is making a new addition to its life saving effort involving blood.
For the first time, the agency’s rescue ambulances are now carrying whole blood to save lives.
“We’re only one of three agencies in the state of California to offer whole blood in a pre-hospital setting for traumatic injuries and will definitely help save lives, especially trauma, but also in medical cases too,” said medical director Dr. Neil Canby of the Ventura County Fire Department.
Fire officials believe this new blood transfusion program marks a significant advancement in prehospital emergency care.
“Blood is always critical it’s critical for this program but it’s critical all the time … every day there are emergencies and traumas … for cancer … for all kinds of in hospital treatments and we need to have it available for patients,” said regional director Susan Noone of Vitalant.
Fire officials say paramedics had to undergo special training for the new program.
“Just takes a lot of collaboration to get approval from the state to procure the blood that we need here also,” said Canby.
By carrying whole blood, firefighter paramedics can deliver life-saving transfusions at the scene, and significantly improving patient outcomes when every second counts.
“My hope is that the patients who are in desperate need of a transfusion pre-hospital will get that transfusion and we will save lives,” said Noone.
Right now, less than two percent of EMS agencies in the nation have blood transfusion programs.
