Author: KEYT

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ was the song of the day on Thursday throughout the Santa Maria Valley.

All three large public high schools in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) held graduation ceremonies during the day.

Pioneer Valley High School was the first to hand out diplomas, starting its commencement ceremony at 9 a.m.

Under ideal weather conditions, more than 3,500 people filled Panthers Stadium to cheer on a class numbering 669 graduates.

“We worked really hard to be here today,” said valedictorian Dayanna Soto. “I’m really excited. I think we are all really amazing students. I had the pleasure to work with them for four years. They’ve supported me through many battles that we’ve had together, through walking in the hallways with our masks on because of Covid to being here today. They were also very helpful and so I’m happy it was this class.”

Santa Maria High School held its graduation ceremony in Ralph Baldiviez Stadium for 715 students later in the morning at 11:30 a.m.

“It’s a special day,” said Kacey Van Horn, who served as president on Santa Maria’s award winning FFA program. “All of our hard work is paying off, and we get to celebrate each other. We’ve been together for the last four years and being able to come together and celebrate each other one last time before we go on to our future endeavors is super exciting.”

At 2 p.m., Righetti High School celebrated its Class of 2025 with a festive ceremony inside Warrior Stadium, where 550 purple-clad graduates received their diplomas.

“It really means a lot for me,” said valedictorian Dan Bishop. “Walking across with all of my fellow classmates, my friends. It’s really been a community that we’ve built here. Everyone in our class is really close. It’s really exciting to be here with everyone and experience this not just alone, but with the whole community.”

A day earlier, Delta High School, the continuation school for SMJUHSD, celebrated 550 graduates during a ceremony at Righetti’s Warrior Stadium.

In total, more than 2,000 students in the school district are receiving diplomas this year.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – A coalition of immigrant-advocacy groups gathered in Santa Maria this morning to denounce recent immigration raids.

Several organizations including: CAUSE, MICOP, FLA, The FUND for Santa Barbara, the 805 Immigrant Coalition, and other community partners gathered at the Joseph Centeno Government building in Santa Maria on Thursday.

The small, peaceful rally aimed to raise awareness about the impacts of recent ice raids.

“We are urging our elected officials at the city level, at the county level, calling our governor to take action and protect our community,” says Fernando Martinez, community organizing manager for MICOP.

At least 40 farmworkers from Santa Maria down to Oxnard were detained two days ago, and it could have been more if the employers hadn’t denied ice’s entry.

“I think it’s an issue that it’s affecting us one way or another,” says Martinez. “If there’s no farmworkers, most likely the cost of produce, it’s going to go up.”

Speakers brought up that some immigrant workers are dealing with errors, delays and miscommunications from immigration offices.

In some cases, the logjam dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think the narrative that they’re only pursuing criminals or people with criminal histories is completely false,” says Maria Salguero, Immigrant Legal Defense Center senior attorney. “And I see it with the people that I’m consulting with that are being detained in our community.”

Salguero says a significant number of immigrants have been unaware they missed a hearing, hence the surprise when ICE comes to detain them.

“Under immigration law, if you don’t go to your hearing, you’re ordered deported in absentia, in your absence,” says Salguero. “And I want to emphasize that immigration enforcement is not criminal enforcement. Immigration proceedings are not criminal in nature. They’re civil in nature.”

In a social media post the same day, President Trump acknowledged his aggressive immigration policies are taking workers from the farming and hospitality industries, who are difficult to replace.

He wrote, in part, “we must protect our farmers, but get the criminals out of the USA.”

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John Palminteri

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Valley is reviving rodeo traditions and demonstrating some of the long-standing events that make the sport so popular in the Central Coast area.

 The 6th Annual Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo is set for June 21 and 22. It is presented by The Santa Ynez Valley Western Heritage Foundation.

The arena is being built on land owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, the San Carlos Property, across from the airport off of Highway 246.

On a larger scale, the two-day event is a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) qualifying rodeo which means some of the top performers in the nation will be present along with rising stars.

“From the second you drive in, it’s about having a good time, whether you come in with your friends or your family,” said Cody Murphy the Vice President of the Western Heritage Foundation.

His father Kevin Murphy founded the event with his friend Ralph Lausten of Empire Rodeo.

They want it to be a traditional style event with a close up feel for the action. Some of the riders will be pros and rising stars.

It will include Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Tie-down roping, Barrel Racing and Steer Racing and Women’s Breakaway Roping.

The Junior Events will include Mutton Bustin’, Junior Barrel Racing and Stick Horse racing.

 “You get into it when you see the biggest names in rodeo going by. It’s all about feeling the horses running by you, the bulls. You’re in the action. It’s a good time,” said Cody Murphy.

Western culture will be featured throughout this event through activities and promotional items. It will transfer to many other areas in the heart of Santa Ynez and nearby communities. The event overall will be a regional economic booster.

This is a family friendly event with kids getting some up close time with the performers. Admission is free for children 12 and under. There will be no charge for parking on the property in a designated field area.

There will also be coverage on the Cowboy TV channel and the Cowboy Lifestyle Network. A 20 foot by 30 foot screen will be on location for close up shots.

Seating has been increased from last year. There will be 2000 bleacher seats along with a large VIP tent for over 300. The event will take place Saturday starting at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. It is expected to be fast-paced and done in about two to three hours. There will be a DJ and dancing afterwards.

Some of the funds will go to programs including the Golden Circle of Champions which supports cancer treatment and services for children. There are also funds for the Santa Ynez High School Agriculture Department.

The rodeo is on the same weekend as Old Santa Ynez Days with a parade set for Saturday morning through the township. “Years ago, when it was started, they did have some performances and a rodeo that went on after (what was called) Tortilla Day. So we thought it’d be kind of neat to bring that back,” said Kevin Murphy.

For more information, ticket sales and sponsors go to: Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo https://www.syvrodeo.com/

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It was a tragedy that changed a Santa Barbara woman’s  life forever. 

A traffic accident killed her fiance and landed her in the hospital.

It happened on August 9th 2016, when Leslie Salazar was a passenger in a car driving through the Santa Barbara Mesa. 

“I was in the car with my fiancée. The car was speeding. I jumped out of the vehicle,” said Salazar.

20 minutes later, her fiancée who was driving under the influence crashed into a power pole, at more than 90 miles an hour killing all three people in the car.

An organization that Salazar was already involved with was there for her during this difficult time. 

Santa Barbara based Mothers’ Helpers focuses on helping mothers in need with essential items for children.  

“People are having trouble just making rent and food for their families … let alone baby essentials that can cost $2500 in the first six months for your baby … if you want a bassinet for them if you want blankets clothing, diapers those are all really big expenses,” said executive director Michelle Erickson of Mothers’ Helpers.

“Feeling inadequate as a mother … just being another stereotype … It’s hard,” said Salazar.

But she didn’t give up.

Salazar worked closely with Mothers’ Helpers.

She received a car seat, shoes and clothes for her baby.

But more importantly, a sense of hope. 

“Leaving the trauma behind … giving mom‘s hope that you can overcome anything between addiction, jails, hospitals … you can overcome it,” said Salazar.

Now, side by side with her 8-year old daughter Genisys, Salazar volunteers for the nonprofit that helped rebuild her shattered life.

“I like to volunteer here because I get to help other children. It helps other families that they don’t have diapers. They don’t have cribs. They don’t have anything, and we can help them by giving it to them,” said Flores.

While Salazar stays busy at Mothers’ Helpers she’s hoping more people will volunteer to help mothers in need.

Today, Salazar no longer considers herself a victim. 

Now she’s an advocate for other mothers in need.

And she has a message for them. 

“It’s okay … to ask for help,” said Salazar.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the Templeton Community Services District regarding the return of their summer music series, Concerts in the Park.

TEMPLETON, Calif. – The wait is over — Concerts in the Park is back! Templeton Recreation kicks off its beloved summer music series tonight at Templeton Park with Petty Party, a high-energy tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, proudly presented by Davis Body Shop.

Join us every Wednesday from 6–8 PM, June 11 through August 20 (no concert July 23), for ten weeks of free, live music featuring rock, reggae, country, funk, soul, and more. Bring your lawn chairs, grab a bite from local vendors, sip beer, wine, or cocktails from Templeton Mercantile, and enjoy the ultimate small-town summer vibe.

This year’s lineup features crowd-favorite acts like The Molly Ringwald Project, ghost/monster, Monte Mills, and Ras Danny Reggae — something for every music lover.

2025 Concert Lineup:

· June 11 – Petty Party (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Tribute) – Presented by Davis Body Shop

· June 18 – ULTRA (Alt-Pop-Rock Dance Hits) – Presented by The Blueprinter & Graphics

· June 25 – Joy Bonner Band (Funky, Soulful, Rockin’ Oldies) – Presented by Templeton Glass Company Inc.

· July 2 – Ras Danny Reggae (Authentic Jamaican Reggae) – Presented by BarrelHouse Brewing Company

· July 9 – The Molly Ringwald Project (Rad ’80s Tribute Dance Band) – Presented by Twin Cities Surveying, Inc.

· July 16 – ghost/monster (Feel-Good, Upbeat Multi-Genre Rock) – Presented by RE/MAX Success

· July 30 – Josh Rosenblum Band (Pop, Rock, Soul, Funk) – Presented by Adventist Health

· August 6 – Talie & The Troublemakers (Dance Rock Multi-Genre) – Presented by Bank of the Sierra

· August 13 – The Platinum Beat (High-Energy Hits Across the Decades) – Presented by JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

· August 20 – Monte Mills & The Lucky Horseshoe Band (Classic Country, Old-Time Rock & Roll) – Presented by Templeton Market & Deli

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Dave Alley

CHOLAME, Calif. – The long-planned goal to improve traffic safety at one of the dangerous stretches of roadway in San Luis Obispo County is near completion.

On Wednesday, Caltrans, along with various local officials, held a ribbon cutting to mark a major milestone in the project to build a new interchange at the intersection of Highways 46 and 41, often referred to as the “Cholame Y.”

“We are super excited,” said Scott Eades, Caltans District 5 Director. “This has been a long time coming. We’ve been working in this direction from Paso Robles for many years, and we finally were able to secure the funding we needed for the Y,and now we’re opening it up for the first time to the traveling public.”

Eades indicated traffic will start moving on the new overpass as soon as this week and will be the latest edition to the multi-year effort to increase safety in the vital cooridor.

“From what I understand, we’ll see cars on here tomorrow,” said Eades. “We are going to be opening in stages. We’ve been building it in segments for many years, trying to ultimately build from I-5 all the way to over to Highway 101 a four-lane divided highway. It’s certainly needed from a safety standpoint.”

The intersection has long been one of the most dangerous locations on any Central Coast roadway and has seen countless collisions through the years, including numerous fatalities, most notably actor James Dean, who was killed in a crash at the site in 1955.

“The old intersection was a notorious one, dating back to the James Dean era,” said Darren Gennuso, Templeton CHP Commander. “There have been numerous lives that were lost in collisions. That was a scary intersection to, to drive through.”

With the new overpass, drivers who are traveling eastbound and need to head onto Highway 41 will no longer have to turn left across oncoming traffic on the two-lane road.

“This connection and this change in this highway will help save lives,” said Morro Bay Mayor Carla Wixom, who is also the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) Vice President. “We’ve lost many people, local residents from San Luis County that have just been traveling, to and from vacation, or visitors that are coming this way, and having this separation really is going to ensure a much safer passage for all of those who come to visit the Central Coast.”

Wixom, who spoke during the 30-minute ceremony that was held right under the new overpass, also pointed out how important the two rural highways are to the Central Coast.

“This highway is a connector for so many things as far as agricultural connections from the I-5, the Central Valley over to 101 and north California,” said Wixom. “From our farming areas, as well as commerce and tourism and all aspects of of those things that come into our county, so really, it’s vital that we have these opportunities out here now for this new flyover and provide safer access for those that are coming through this area.”

While the new overpass is now complete, there is still quite a bit of construction taking place in the surrounding area.

Just down the new road, two additional overpasses that are designed to also help enhance the safety in on the highway remain under construction.

“Those structures are providing throughput for the the local roads that go underneath Highway 46,” said Eades. “Those were at grade before. Now there’s full grade separation. It also provides for wildlife connectivity, so there’s, you know deer and antelope and elk out here, and we designed the project to accommodate them and their ability to travel underneath 46. We channelized those through fencing and have these over crossings to be able to our structures to be able to let them move under as well.”

Eades expects the other two overpasses to be completed sometime in 2026.

According to Caltrans, the overall cost of the new interchange project was $147 million.

Caltrans added the interchange is part of a larger, phased project to widen Highway 46 East from a two-lane highway to a four-lane expressway from east of the Shandon Rest area to east of Davis Road.

The first segment of widening in the corridor began near Paso Robles in 2008.

The next planned phase is widening Highway 46 East through the Antelope Grade, which is located near the Cholame Y.

The Antelope Grade project is expected to begin construction in spring 2027.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Students from Alta Vista and La Cuesta students have reason to celebrate.

They graduated Wednesday in front of family, friends and supporters.

The ceremony returned to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens.

It is a momentous occasion for the students who chose to finish strong at the popular alternative and continuation high schools in Santa Barbara.

Betty Sanchez and her family watched her daughter Kimberly pick up her diploma.

“It is a very important moment today because is was a very hard for her because she’s not she don’t want to go to school and now she made it so that is why I am so proud of Kimberly and the whole family is proud of Kimberly,” said Sanchez.

Families brought their grads gifts including, Hawaiian leis, bouquets, candy, money and balloons.

Many of the grads plan to continue their education at Santa Barbara City College or 4-year universities.

Some are considering careers in the military.

For more information about the schools visit https://alted.sbunified.org

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — As the Earl Warren Showgrounds looks ahead to a 30-year master plan, it remains unclear whether that future includes the return of Old Spanish Days’ Fiesta Rodeo and Stock Horse Show.

A 67-year partnership between the two organizations officially ended this year, with both now planning separate rodeos during Fiesta weekend, Aug. 1–3, 2025.

The split marks a major shift in a long-standing Santa Barbara tradition, prompted by rising costs, logistical disputes, and contract challenges. Old Spanish Days has moved its signature rodeo to the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” said El Presidente Fritz Olenberger. “There’s been complaints by our committee chair of the rodeo over the years that it’s getting tougher and tougher to make a profit having this event at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.”

From 2017 to 2024, fees paid by Old Spanish Days to use the showgrounds rose more than 120%, according to financial records:

2017: $55,317.62

2018: $59,793.17

2019: $78,219.97

2020: No rodeo due to COVID-19

2021: $49,579.64

2022: $97,562.98

2023: $102,456.86

2024: $121,032.68

Old Spanish Days advocated for a flat-fee agreement to avoid unpredictable post-event invoicing, which it said left the event financially vulnerable.

Earl Warren Showgrounds CEO Ben Sprague said the increases were necessary to bring rates up to market level. “When I became CEO in 2019, the showgrounds were losing a quarter of a million dollars a year,” he said.

Sprague said he initially hoped to collaborate with Old Spanish Days before launching the showgrounds’ own event. “We actually approached them to do this with us… and then they decided… to not do that.”

In a letter to the showgrounds board, the Old Spanish Days board expressed frustration over being denied access to revenue generated by Fiesta attendees—such as parking, concessions, stabling, food and beverage, and RV fees—which they said could have supported the event’s viability.

“There’s a lot of parking there, and Earl Warren has fees for that, and they keep all of that,” Olenberger said. Sprague did not respond to questions about revenue sharing between the organizations.

The letter also cited contract delays that strained relationships with professional partners like the PRCA. Organizers reported “an adversarial environment” created by some staff, which they said negatively affected volunteers and committee members. Despite a $1.5 million investment from the equestrian community, Old Spanish Days described the facilities as “substandard.”

Sprague said that investment contributed to showground upgrades, including new fencing and the removal of three barns.

The separation comes as the showgrounds continues work on its 30-year master plan in partnership with consulting firm MKThink. The plan outlines three use zones—recreation, natural park, and flexible urban—across the 34-acre site.

Documents obtained by News Channel show the plan includes a proposed 6,000-seat arena. Sprague said the facility would “better serve the community, including rodeos.” When asked about a rumored soccer field, he said, “The arena will serve existing and new partnerships.”

Sprague also addressed concerns about parking, which is sometimes used to stage emergency response vehicles. He said Santa Barbara County’s Office of Emergency Management is involved in the planning process.

Despite the split, Sprague said Old Spanish Days is “welcome to return in the future” and emphasized that the showgrounds remains committed to rodeo programming and community events.

Olenberger, however, does not anticipate a reunion soon. “Right now, with the people on our board, I don’t think it’s going to come back,” he said.

In its letter, Old Spanish Days was unequivocal: “We cannot and will not lend the Old Spanish Days name or reputation to an event we do not produce, oversee, and stand behind with full confidence.”

In the meantime, Fiesta Rodeo Committee Chair Josiah Jenkins secured a deal to host the official Old Spanish Days Rodeo at the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center. The event will run Friday through Sunday, with all rodeo performances free to the public. A ticketed barbecue and dance is scheduled for Saturday night.

That same weekend, the Earl Warren Showgrounds will host Santa Barbara Rodeo Days, featuring three PRCA-sanctioned performances, including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and mutton busting for kids. A Fiesta-themed carnival with free admission will include rides, food vendors, live entertainment, and a mercado.

A public meeting originally scheduled for June 12 to discuss the master plan was canceled due to a lack of quorum. A new date is expected to be announced next month.

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Alissa Orozco

EDITORS NOTE: This article has been updated to include additional deployment numbers from the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have sparked fear all around the country, but now President Trump’s immigration enforcement is beginning to affect communities here on the Central Coast.

On Tuesday, hundreds of community members took to the streets in Oxnard, outraged by the detainment of several field workers in Camarillo and Oxnard.

Protests against ICE operations and mass deportations are popping up all around the country, and further escalated by heavy military presence deployed by the Trump administration. As of June 11th, the Los Angeles Police Department says at least 200 people have been arrested since protests erupted on June 6th.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department has deployed 32 deputies to Los Angeles in coordination with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, but will not assisting in ICE operations.

“The resources that we sent down to the Los Angeles area are members of our sheriff’s response team and our special enforcement team, and these are deputies that are specially trained in um civil unrest,” said Santa Barbara County PIO, Raquel Zick. “They are strictly helping out with law enforcement. They are not conducting any sort of ICE enforcement or immigration enforcement.”

 Santa Barbara Chief of Police, Kelly Gordon released a statement affirming this message:

“I want to be very clear our police department is here to serve and protect all members of our community, regardless of immigration status. In accordance with California law and our department’s long-standing policy, we do not participate in federal immigration enforcement activities.”

Ventura County Sheriff’s Department has also sent 44 deputies to Los Angeles to merely assist local law enforcement.

Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites released a statement clarifying that the department does not participate in or assist with federal immigration enforcement. The mayor of Oxnard also posted on Instagram to reassure residents that the city was not involved in the raids.

“While I acknowledge the importance of upholding immigration laws, it is also crucial that this is done fairly and justly,” said Oxnard Mayor, Luis McArthur in his statement. “The mission of the Oxnard Police Department, where I spent 35 years, is to protect and serve everyone, without any consideration of their legal status. There are members of our community, and I want to assure everyone that Oxnard officers will not engage in any field operations with ICE.”

San Luis Obispo Sheriff released a statement on Friday saying they have sent a total of 23 deputies out to Los Angeles to provide additional mutual aid. The Sheriff’s office reaffirmed, “these deputies will be deployed only for public safety and protecting government properties. They will not be used for immigration enforcement as California state law prohibits local law enforcement from assisting ICE.”

An additional four officers of the Arroyo Grande Police Department and two officers and a commander from the Grover Beach Police Department are being deployed to Los Angeles.

Tensions are expected to escalate this weekend. “No Kings” protests are scheduled in communities across the Central Coast this Saturday, the same day as President Trump’s birthday.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The American flag posted outside First Bank in Santa Barbara was set on fire sometime Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.

A caller told your News Channel that someone had burned the American flag outside of First Bank, at the corner of Las Positas Rd. and State St. in Santa Barbara, and damaged multiple sandbags.

Flags from countries around the world are displayed, but the caller says only the American flag was damaged.1

Photos sent in shows sand covering the sidewalk where the vandal, or vandals, had cut open sandbags used to anchor the flag poles.

Russ Lazarenko

Russ Lazarenko

The caller told your News Channel that they believe someone had used a blowtorch to destroy the flag, leaving it nearly reduced to ashes.

The vandalism comes at a time of political unrest in the state and in local communities. Yesterday, hundreds gathered outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse in response to federal immigration raids and a growing military presence in Southern California.

Communities rallied in Ventura County Tuesday following several Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting produce workers and farms across the county.

The American flag was replaced with a new one this morning.

Your News Channel has reached out to law enforcement for information regarding the vandalism, and is awaiting response.

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

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