UCSB student in recovery after critical injuries from cliff fall

Caleb Nguyen

ISLA VISTA, Calif. – Luke Ogburn, a 2nd-year USCB biology major, is on the road to recovery following a fall from the Isla Vista bluffs on June 13.

Ogburn suffered a fractured pelvis and clavicle, two collapsed lungs, swelling under his skin, a broken rib, multiple facial and orbital fractures and deep cuts across his head and body after falling.

Ogburn survived the fall but still requires serious medical care in the aftermath of the incident, according to a Facebook post from his employer, the IV Bagel Cafe.

Ogburn marks the first cliff fall of 2025 after Your News Channel covered one of them in 2024 and another in 2023.

At least 14 students have died since the mid-1990s after falls from the Isla Vista Bluffs, as mentioned in a 2023 article from Your News Channel, thanks to the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees President Jonathan Abboud.

The IV Bagel Cafe donated 50% of their sales on July 9, though Ogburn’s fundraiser goals remain unmet, according to the Daily Nexus.

The Facebook post also mentioned a fundraiser for Ogburn’s medical expenses, which you can donate to at this link.

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Santa Barbara County Fair livestock auction begins with buyers organization ready to support local agriculture students

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – As the Santa Barbara County Fair Junior Livestock Auction begins its Friday, a Central Coast non-profit organization is ready to help out local agriculture students during the two-long sale.

Since its formation in 2023, the 37th District Buyers Coalition has been financially supporting some of the exhibitors during the all-important auction that ends the week-long event at the fair.

“We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3),” said Renli Pope, 37th District Buyers Coalition President. “We raise money throughout the year to purchase animals from kids at auction. We require that they apply to our program and send five buyers letters out into the community, hopefully to encourage new buyer participation at the auction, and if the the exhibitor doesn’t have support from a buyer at the auction, and our funds allow, we are able to purchase that animal and process the meat and donate it to local charities here in the community.”

Through community donations, funds will be directed towards the purchase of animal projects during the fair auction, helping ensure that students who apply for coalition help will potentially have their animal bought.

“That’s the goal,” said Pope. “We want these kids to be able to make a profit and we want these kids to be able to continue participating. A lot of these exhibitors had to take out a loan to buy their animal, and since Covid, prices and participation have been very low at auction. A lot of people think that there’s not a need for support and there is a tremendous need, so part of our program is we’re trying to build back that option and that support and get people to come in and fill the seats (in the auction barn) and help these kids out.”

Over the first two years, the 37th District Buyers Coalition purchased 181 animals, helping out local agriculture students.

“These kids are the hardest working kids out there,” said Pope. “Some of these kids who have cattle have had their cattle for almost a year, and there’s a lot of times that are tough, and it’s just very hard for them to make a profit, and any type of support that they can get, whether it’s somebody that comes in from a business that their mom and dad goes, to or whether it’s somebody like us that can come in, it’s important.”

Another important component of the Buyers Coalition takes place once the animals are purchased. The animals are later than processed and then donated to local charitable organizations, which will distribute the meat to people in need throughout the community.

“The kids often times will come and help us hand out the meat,” said Pope. “We have to pick up the meat from the butcher and take it and deliver it to churches and food pantries and feeding organizations. Everybody really tells us what good, high quality meat is and how, they’re not able to get that from from other sources. This is a huge, a huge thing for the community, to be able to see these kids that are working really hard on their projects, and to support them and support their neighbors in need.”

The Junior Livestock Auction began Friday at 9 a.m. with smaller animals up for bid and will start on Saturday at 8 a.m. with larger livestock on the block.

The Santa Barbara County Fair runs through Sunday, July 13.

For more information about the 37th District Buyers Coalition, click here to visit the official website.

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80 Affordable Housing Units in Guadalupe Represent Inspirational Local Family

Jarrod Zinn

GUADALUPE, Calif. – Guadalupe has a new affordable housing complex.

The complex is named after a prominent local family.

The Housing Authority of Santa Barbara County (HASBARCO) has been working on this site for no less than eight years and this morning, a young member of the Escalante family got to cut the ribbon.

It was a proud moment for the city of Guadalupe at the Escalante Meadows ribbon cutting on Friday.

“The US Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD has a Rental Assistance Demonstration program, or RAD for short,” says Bob Havlicek, HASBARCO’s executive director. “And it allows agencies like ours to convert what used to be public housing into affordable housing.”

The site has undergone dramatic changes over the course of 8 years.

The new complex is named after World War II veteran Augustin Escalante, rooting this project in history, family, and quality of life for the future.

“We had to redevelop or tear down everything that was existing here and then rebuild in its place units for affordable housing,” says Havlicek. “There’s a very rigorous process that agencies like ours have to go through to get permission to redevelop a property.”

High efficiency, climate-smart features such as e.v. charging, a community center open for use by non-profits, and a children’s center specializing in early childhood development are the crown jewels of Escalante Meadows.

“I was a field worker for many years,” Escalante Meadows resident Anita Avilez said in Spanish. “I feel very peaceful, secure in these apartments. And, well, my life is very happy.”

Additionally, 15 units are reserved for qualified individuals with increased health needs under H.H.C., or Housing for a Healthy California.

“It’s funded by the state of California, and it’s for residents who were formerly high occupancy of medical facilities like emergency rooms and are now in stable housing,” says Havlicek.

Congressman Salud Carbajal spoke with pride about the achievement, and many of the speakers commended the Escalante family and HASBARCO for the collaborative and unified effort to meet the needs of residents.

HASBARCO hopes this complex will act as a hub for the community to come together for mutual services for a long time to come.

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Accidental Gas Leak in Goleta forces 60 People to Evacuate

Alissa Orozco

GOLETA, Calif. – Approximately 60 people from 20 condominium units have been evacuated Friday morning following a gas leak in a Goleta neighborhood.

Santa Barbara County Fire’s Capt. Scott Safechuck posted on X saying a backhoe ruptured an exterior gas line between two condominium buildings at 7260 Davenport Rd., despite proper notification from construction personnel before digging.

Gas Leak: 7260 Davenport Rd., Goleta. A backhoe uncovered and ruptured an exterior gas line between two condominium buildings. Two buildings (20 units total, approximately 60 people) have been evacuated as a precaution. SoCal Gas representatives are on scene and a repair crew has… pic.twitter.com/f2tKANfnkr

— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) July 11, 2025

Safechuck says inaccurate gas pipe mapping may have played a factor into the accidental rupture.

The two buildings have been evacuated as a precaution. No injuries have been reported.

SoCal Gas representatives and a repair crew has been called to the scene. SBC Fire Truck 11 will remain on scene according to Safechuck, as repairs are expected to take several hours.

Your News Channel will update this article with new information as it becomes available.

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Recent Immigration Raids Could Impact Key Economic Months in Carpinteria

John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – The small coastal town of Carpinteria relies on its summer tourism and loyal local residents to keep its economy bolstered, but that could be threatened.

This week there have been at least three high profile immigration actions and the fall out is already being felt.

Some business owners say they are already seeing a drop in customers about the same time as the raids began. One owner said she is getting calls before customers come in to make sure the area is safe.

Sue LaBadie is a host at the Carpinteria Visitor Center table. She said by the middle of the day Friday she had over 50 people stop by. The message has been positive with those coming to the site looking for information on shopping, food and historical locations. “You have to be safe to do that. You know, you don’t feel happy if you’re not safe,” she said. LaBadie has watched the immigration coverage from a cannabis farm located just outside of the Carpinteria city limits and wants to make sure it doesn’t represent the city overall.

“The last time the town was really under any kind of stress was fires and floods. And there wasn’t this kind of stress, ” she said.

Jill Castro was enjoying lunch on Linden Ave. and said, “I’ve lived here 44 years and having so many friends in this community and seeing the fear that’s actually happening at this point is it’s painful.”

She does not want the local economy to suffer. “These small businesses and you have the arts center, we thrive on tourists coming into town to bank us to be able to get through the winter. “

This weekend is the 68th St. Joseph’s Carnival at a Catholic Church in the city with a large field that is annually one of the summer highlights. Thousands usually attend for the rides, homemade food and entertainment for three days. It is also a significant fundraiser. Claudia Meza is the festival coordinator. She said, “this is a safe, private, area to come together with family once again, for this year.”

Castro doesn’t go to festivals much anymore but, “absolutely I’m going to go. I’m going to go out tomorrow and Sunday supports Saint Joseph’s.”

The organizers have 18 rides, games including Lotteria, live entertainment, an electric bike raffle and many on site homemade food items. It has been called heartwarming and welcoming to families in a protected environment.

It is still to be seen if the area will be impacted by the Homeland Security raids, two that targeted individuals in private vehicles, one downtown and one in a neighborhood.

Thursday at a confrontation with immigration agents residents who were legally in the U.S. said they were becoming afraid based on the unpredictable nature of the raids.

There are residents who are in favor of the actions to remove someone in the country who is here illegally and has committed a crime. Those voices have not been in the forefront of the rallies which have been highly emotional, and at times violent. They are speaking out with that side of the community reaction, mainly on social media.

(More details, video and photos will be out later today.)

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Susan A. Andrzejewski to Take Over as CSU Channel Islands Interim President

Alissa Orozco

CAMARILLO, Calif. – Starting August 4th, Susan A. Andrzejewski will take over as California State University Channel Islands’ new Interim President. Andrzejewski was appointed by California State University (CSU) Chancellor Mildred García, while the university continues its search for the next permanent President.

Dr. Richard Yao announced earlier this month that he would be stepping down from his role as CSU Channel Islands’ President. Yao worked as a psychologist conducting therapy and forensic evaluations before becoming the university’s leader. He will now become the President of DataPhilanthropy, the giving arm of the Jeff T. Green Foundation.

“It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve as President of CSUCI,” shared Dr. Yao. “This campus has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience through an era of unprecedented challenges. I have never wavered in my belief in our mission or in the transformative impact of our work.”

Andrzejewski currently serves as university’s dean of the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics. She first joined the university in 2014 as an assistant professor of marketing, before becoming interim dean in 2018 and later promoted to permanent dean in 2021.

Andrzejewski is also credited with securing more than $22 million in philanthropic support for the university to fund scholarships, faculty research and academic innovation. Along with serving as co-chair of the CSUCI 2030+ Strategic Planning Executive Leadership Committee, committee for CSUCI’s WASC Senior College & University Commission accreditation efforts, leading the President’s Task Force on Post-Graduate Outcomes, and developing the CSU’s first comprehensive study linking high-impact educational practices to graduate employment outcomes and earnings.

“Dr. Andrzejewski is an innovative and collaborative leader, recognized for advancing student success through data-informed initiatives, experiential learning and regional partnerships,” said Chancellor García. “In addition, she has been a trusted and strategic partner to outgoing President Richard Yao, demonstrating impressive university-wide leadership and undeniable strategic acumen. With her strong connections to CSU Channel Islands and outstanding professional skills and personal qualities, Dr. Andrzejewski is the ideal person to lead the university through this time of transition.” 

During its July meeting, the CSU Board of Trustees will approve Andrzejewski’s compensation as interim president.

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Dan Peeters named athletic director at Laguna Blanca

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Laguna Blanca School is proud to announce the appointment of Dan Peeters as its new Athletic Director. A respected leader with more than 20 years of experience in high school athletics, Peeters brings a strong commitment to student-centered sports programming and a demonstrated ability to build inclusive and successful athletic communities.

Peeters most recently served as Athletic Director at Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai, where he managed all aspects of the school’s athletic programs. Prior to that, he led both the high school and middle school athletic departments at La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks. During his five-year tenure, La Reina’s athletic teams achieved multiple league titles in basketball, soccer, swimming, and volleyball, while the middle school program tripled in size.

Peeters began his career in Santa Barbara at Bishop Diego High School, where he served for 15 years as Athletic Director. Overseeing 17 sports, he helped the school achieve an 80% student participation rate and celebrated significant milestones, including a CIF-SS championship in girls basketball—the program’s first since 1978—and the football team’s first-ever CIF-SS and California State Championship titles in 2017.

Beyond his school-based leadership, Peeters has been deeply involved with CIF and league associations, serving as President of the Tri-County Athletic Association (TCAA) from 2014 to 2022. He currently serves as TCAA Vice President and Scheduler. His extensive experience at both the school and league levels uniquely positions him to support Laguna Blanca’s mission of providing an exceptional and accessible athletic experience for every student.

“I’m honored to join the Laguna Blanca community,” said Peeters. “I look forward to working alongside students, coaches, families, and faculty to continue building a vibrant athletic program rooted in Owl pride.”

Peeters officially began his role at Laguna Blanca on July 2, 2025.

(Article courtesy of Laguna Blanca High School).

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SLO Sheriff Seeking Public Assistance in Shandon Burglary Investigation

Alissa Orozco

SHANDON, Calif. – The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public help investigating a burglary that occurred in the 200 block of Calle Arroyo in Shandon.

On July 1st, officers reported to a residence around 2:38pm where a burglary had happened earlier that morning. Video captured shows two suspects trespassing onto the property around 10:00am.

According to the Sheriff’s office, a significant amount of personal property, including cash and jewelry was stolen.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individuals seen in these videos.

The suspects were driving in a black Hyundai Sonata with chrome trim around the windows and a chrome strip extending from the headlights to the side view mirrors. The office adds the passenger side view mirror may also be painted a flat black color, differing from the rest of the vehicle.

Anyone who recognizes the individuals or vehicle shown, or who may have information related to this case, is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at (805) 781-4550, option 3. 

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-STOP (7867) or online at www.slotips.org.

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Temporary Delays in Santa Maria due to Scheduled Pavement Repairs on Bradley and Stowell Roads

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Santa Maria regarding upcoming pavement repairs for Bradley Road and Stowell Road in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Drivers are advised that temporary delays will occur during the nighttime on East Stowell Road from Bradley Road to Nicholson Avenue, and on South Bradley Road from East Main Street to the 101 Freeway southbound onramp due to the City’s Pavement Repairs Project. The repairs are set to begin Sunday, July 13th and will continue through the week of July 21st (weather permitting).

It is recommended to use alternate routes when possible if travelling between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Bradley Road and Stowell Road. The Highway 101 northbound on- and off-ramps at Stowell and Nicholson, as well as Highway 101 southbound on-ramp at Bradley Road and Main Street will be closed during construction hours.

The project will include the removal and replacement of old and failed asphalt paving, removal of existing traffic striping, grinding of the edges of the existing pavement, the placement of hot mix asphalt overlay, then re-establishment of traffic striping. The City has contracted V. Lopez Jr & Sons to perform this work funded by Measure A, Gas Tax, and SB-1 Gas Tax dollars.

Having safe, well-maintained roads is a top priority for the City, which knows how important it is to our residents and infrastructure. As one of its Smart City, Safe City tools, the Department of Public Works diligently tracks the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to assess the condition of streets. Based on available funds, including tax revenue from gas purchases, staff conducts annual assessments and develop road projects.

The street segments that are part of these pavement repairs include:

East Stowell Road from Bradley Road to Nicholson Avenue

South Bradley Road from East Main Street to the Highway 101 Southbound On-ramp

The contractor will post construction notices to residents and businesses along affected streets with the dates, informing when parking and access to streets will be prohibited.

City staff recommends that drivers obey all temporary construction signs and reduce driving speeds in construction areas. The City appreciates drivers’ cooperation and patience.

Questions may be directed to the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division at (805) 925-0951 extension 2225.

Department: Public WorksContact Person: Ryan Provost, Engineer IITelephone Number: (805) 925-0951 ext. 2225E-mail Address: rprovost@cityofsantamaria.org

Traducción al español:

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Se informa a los conductores que se presentarán retrasos temporales durante la noche en East Stowell Road, desde Bradley Road hasta Nicholson Avenue, y en South Bradley Road, desde East Main Street hasta la rampa de entrada hacia el sur de la Autopista 101, debido al Proyecto de Reparación de Pavimento de la Ciudad. Las reparaciones comenzarán el domingo 13 de julio y continuarán durante la semana del 21 de julio, si el clima lo permite.

Se recomienda utilizar rutas alternas, en la medida de lo posible, si se circula entre las 9:00 p.m. y las 5:00 a.m. por las calles Bradley Road y Stowell Road. Durante el horario de construcción, se cerrarán las rampas de entrada y salida hacia el norte en Stowell Road y Nicholson Avenue, así como la rampa de entrada hacia el sur de la Autopista 101 en Bradley Road y Main Street.

El proyecto incluirá la remoción y reemplazo del pavimento de asfalto viejo y dañado, la eliminación de las franjas de tráfico existentes, el fresado de los bordes del pavimento actual, la colocación de una capa de mezcla asfáltica en caliente, y posteriormente el restablecimiento de la señalización vial. La Ciudad ha contratado a la empresa V Lopez Jr & Sons para realizar estos trabajos, los cuales están financiados por Measure A, el Impuesto a la Gasolina, y fondos del impuesto SB-1.

Tener calles seguras y bien mantenidas es una de las principales prioridades de la Ciudad, ya que comprende lo importante que es para nuestros residentes y la infraestructura. Como parte de sus herramientas de Ciudad Inteligente y Ciudad Segura, el Departamento de Obras Públicas da seguimiento al Índice de Condición del Pavimento (PCI, por sus siglas en inglés) para evaluar el estado de las calles. Con base en los fondos disponibles, incluidos los ingresos del impuesto a la gasolina, el personal realiza evaluaciones anuales y desarrolla proyectos viales.

Los tramos de calle que forman parte de estas reparaciones de pavimento incluyen:

East Stowell Road, desde Bradley Road hasta Nicholson Avenue

South Bradley Road, desde East Main Street hasta la rampa de entrada hacia el sur de la Autopista 101

El contratista colocará avisos de construcción para residentes y negocios a lo largo de las calles afectadas con las fechas, informando cuándo estará prohibido estacionarse o acceder a las calles.

El personal de la Ciudad recomienda a los conductores respetar toda señalización temporal de construcción y reducir la velocidad en las zonas en obra. La Ciudad agradece la cooperación y paciencia de los conductores.

Para cualquier pregunta, puede comunicarse con el Departamento de Obras Públicas, División de Ingeniería, al (805) 925-0951 extensión 2225.

Departamento: Obras PúblicasPersona de contacto: Ryan Provost, Ingeniero IITeléfono: (805) 925-0951 ext. 2225Correo electrónico: rprovost@cityofsantamaria.org

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Entries for Masq(p)arade! 2025 Now Open!

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from MASQ(P)ARADE! 2025 regarding their entries and submissions for the 2025 season

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Masq is Back! Masq(p)arade! returns to State Street for its fifth year on Friday, October 3, 2025, and the Call for Performers is now OPEN! Santa Barbara’s original and only performance progressive seeks entertainers to wow the crowd in a lively series of bite-sized shows.

All genres of performers and performance groups are encouraged to apply. Acts must be piano-based and incorporate whimsical masks. Selected artists will receive a performer honorarium.

Masq(p)arade! takes place at Pianos on State, the annual painted piano project on display throughout Santa Barbara each fall. Each Masq(p)arade! performance lasts fifteen minutes, with enough time between acts to advance up State Street to each piano to catch the next act. Now in its fifth year, Masq(p)arade! offers locals and visitors a unique, cost-free opportunity to experience alfresco performance and visual art in Santa Barbara’s Historic Arts District, and has become a beloved Santa Barbara tradition. Past performers include Brasscals!, Opera Santa Barbara, Out of the Box Theatre Company, Santa Barbara Gay Men’s Chorus, and Zach Gill.

The submission deadline is August 22nd. Details and entry form are online at www.masqparade.org

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