Author: KEYT

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – Even with a rare Christmastime rainstorm set to soak the Central Coast this week, local agencies say staffing will remain at normal levels despite the storm coming during the holiday.

“Everything that we’re hearing from the National Weather Service is that this is going to be the biggest storm that we’ve seen so far this rainy season,” said Anita Konopa, San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Coordinator. They’re calling it an atmospheric river, which indicates a whole lot of moisture.”

According to News Channel 3-12 forecaster Evan Vega, light rain should begin Tuesday during the day with heavy rain arriving Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. He added severe thunderstorms, hail and gusty are possible across all areas Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the area north of Point Conception, Vega is forecasting two to four inches of rain for coastal areas and four to seven inches for the mountains, while south of the Point Conception, there could be three to six inches of rain for coastal areas and five to 11 inches for the mountains.

With this week’s rain coming over the Christmas holiday, a period of time where staffing is usually smaller than usual, the timing isn’t ideal for a significant rainstorm.

“With the holidays that absolutely affects staffing in general,” said Konopa. “But our response agencies are committed to being available and they have the staffing necessary and committed to respond to the emergencies should any arise.”

Konopa said San Luis Obispo County partners met on Sunday to discuss is needed to do to make sure everyone was ready to go if and when a storm response is needed.

“The departments are looking at extra staffing,” said Konopa. “They’re looking at what needs to happen, particularly with the holiday weekend and a lot of people being gone to ensure that they’re ready to respond should something happen. Staffing levels are dependent on the organization, and whether or not people are in the office and ready, or if they’re on standby and ready, but overall response organizations are ready should something happen.”

Also in San Luis Obispo, the Caltrans District 5 office, located the intersection of Madonna Road and Higuera Street, will also have a full crew in place this week.

“Operationally, we’re fully staffed during the storm, so we have both our maintenance crews out there making sure that our drainages are kept clear,” said Kevin Drabinksi, Caltrans Public Information Officer. “We also have a full maintenance team that that responds to incidents on the highway. We are working with all of our public safety partners and the County Office of Emergency Services to prepare together and respond together to keep the roadways, so Caltrans is on their toes, fully staffed to respond this week to any incidents that might happen on the state highway system.”

In Santa Maria, it’s a similar story with the city primed to respond to any storm related issues later in the week.

“We are fully staffed,” said Hector Perales, Santa Maria Public Works Street Operations Manager. “If situations arise regarding flooding throughout the city, we do have an on call person and we’re, able to respond to these flooding situations wherever they may be throughout the city.”

On Monday, crew members with the Santa Maria Utilities Department spent part of the day completing some last minute preparations before the incoming rain arrives in a few hours.

“There is some work ahead of time,” said Perales. “The Utilities Department is cleaning out storm drains, in different areas to prepare for the rain that’s coming, just to prevent blockage and keep the water flowing where it’s supposed to go.”

The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department said Monday crew members were also getting prepped for the storm.

Maintenance crews are scheduled as normal during the storm patrolling and construction and engineering staff will be available to provide support if necessary.

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Gauchos have not received alot of offensive production from their post players this year but that was not the case in their 79-61 home victory over Portland.

UCSB bigs Hosana Kitenge and Evans Kipruto combined for an efficient 26 points as the Gauchos improved to 9-4 overall and 6-1 at home.

Kitenge was a perfect 6-for-6 from the floor for 14 points which included a made three-pointer.

Kipruto added 12 points and 8 rebounds and he was 5-for-7 from the field.

UCSB also hurt Portland from the three-point line outscoring the Pilots by 30 points from beyond the arc.

Aidan Mahaney drilled four triples and scored a team-high 15 points.

(Mahaney scores in the first half versus Portland. Entenza Design).

The Gauchos got a terrific game from freshman CJ Shaw who had a career-high 11 assists and 10 points.

(Shaw played well filling in for injured point guard Miro Little. Entenza Design).

Colin Smith added 12 points as the Gauchos had 5 players reach double-digit points.

UCSB used a 19-4 run to end the first half to grab a 36-23 lead at the break.

The Gauchos return to action New Year’s Day with a Big West game at Cal State Fullerton.

The game marked the return of Shantay Legans to the Santa Barbara-area.

(Legans played guard at Cal and Fresno State. Entenza Design).

Legans is a Dos Pueblos High School graduate and is the current head coach of the Portland Pilots who are 7-6 overall but 0-4 on the road.

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Mike Klan

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT). – Wyatt Gardiner scored 33 points and had 12 rebounds to lead Dos Pueblos to a 67-56 win over Polytechnic of Pasadena in the championship game of the Jim Bashore Holiday Cage Classic.

Gardiner was named MVP of tournament after posting a double-double in all three games.

DP led 50-49 heading into the fourth quarter before Gardiner and the Chargers quickly stretched the lead into double-digits.

Coulter Jay and Caleb Damron each scored 13 points for DP who improved to 8-2 on the season.

In other tournament action Sante Ynez claimed third place with a 74-60 victory over Foothill Technology of Ventura.

Arroyo Grande won the consolation championship with a decisive 55-26 win over Cabrillo.

Rounding out the tournament Channel Islands defeated host Carpinteria 57-38 in the 7th place game.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) The First United Methodist Church held its 36th annual Living Nativity before Christmas.

Two casts of church volunteers brought the Holy Night to life.

The cast included angels, shepherds, Three Kings and majestic live Camels.

Children couldn’t get up close to the camels, but they could enjoy a welcoming petting zoo.

Visitors also had a chance to view the church’s decorated Romanesque revival sanctuary along with a display of other nativity scenes from around the world.

Lisa Burns serves as the Live Nativity Coordinator.

“I  have seen my children grow up here, we have families out here getting some great pictures for their holiday cards,” said Burns, ” It is a quiet meditative moment for the most part we just sit and think of the thoughts that we want to send out to the world peace on earth good will to men.”

The rotating cast members seem to love appearing with the camels brought in from Santa Ynez valley.

Monday was the final night, but it will be back by popular demand at First United Methodist Church again next year.

But visitor may still see the nativity collection inside.

Toni Straka has been collecting nativities from around the world for more than 3 decades.

Others on display belong to church members including David McKee.

McKee made one with needlepoint.

Others that stand out include one made on top of a music box, and another inside a gourd.

Children are even welcome to touch a few of the pieces on display through the weekend at the church located on the corner of Garden and Anapamu.

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Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management issued an evacuation warning for areas affected by the Lake Fire.

Zaca Lake Resort, Midland School, the 9000 block of Figueroa Mountain Road and 7401 Figueroa Mountain Road are all areas of concern, according to the SBCOEM.

Flash flooding and debris flow risks are possible due to the storm. For more information on the latest evacuation updates, visit the SBCOEM website.

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Tracy Lehr

MONTECITO, Calif. (KEYT) Sand and sand bags are available at a number of fire stations in Santa Barbara County and some parks have Do It Yourself sandbag supply stations.

That is the case in Lower Manning Park in Montecito.

Landscaping crews, with plenty of muscle, came early.

Some of them will be protecting the homes of employers who are out of town.

When the supply of burlap bags ran low Montecito fire came to the rescue.

They dropped off hundreds of bags and will supply more sand if needed.

Firefighters will be well-staffed to answer calls and they appreciate locals who know the danger the weather can pose.

Ana Fagan has weathered a number of disasters in her community.

“I work for bucket brigade and i also live in Montecito so I am a resident so I know what we go through I would recommend filling sandbags half full instead of full I personally can’t lift them when they are full plus you can mold them better when they are half full and get more out of it,” said Fagan.

Sandbagging is a family affair for many including Casper George Kendrick.

“There is something that usually happens when it rains at his window in the backyard, there is like a little stream where we have to put sandbags and that is kind of like why we are here,” said Kendrick.

“We try and prep before a big rain is coming, so we are doing our part to protect our home and community,” said Mike Higgins.

They plan to make the most of the holiday that is extra special for Kendrick.

“It is his birthday on Christmas,” said Higgins.”

” I am pretty sad that Santa will have to fly through the rain,” said Hendrick.

They may find shelter on Tuesday afternoon at the nonprofit Alcazar Theatre in Carpinteria where “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” is being screened during a Santa Paws donation drive for the Humane Society.

The Alcazar staff calls it the “Holiday Move Magic: Season of Giving.”

Now is a good time to put tarps over decorations and to bring some plants inside.

The view from Summerland showed calm before the storm on Monday afternoon and a smooth ride along the 101, but forecasters watching for an atmospheric river that could hover know things are about to change.

Staying inside and off the roads is often the best way to ride out a storm.

People can pick up sandbags after dark but they may need headlights and flashlights.

Your News Channel will have more on storm prep tonight on the news.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Good Samaritan is activating holiday storm protocol in Santa Maria for 2025’s Christmas week.

Warming centers will be up and running.

It’s been many years since the Central Coast has seen weather like this during the week of Christmas.

“It’s been several years,” says Kirsten Cahoon, director of homeless services for Good Samaritan Shelters. “I can’t remember the last time that we’ve had to even think about activating warming shelters on Christmas.”

Temperatures are expected to drop noticeably during overnight hours and rain is in the forecast beginning Tuesday, lasting through Christmas day.

“It’s crazy,” says Cahoon. “We’ve had 80 degree weather for the past few weeks and felt our normal Christmas in California. And then all of a sudden, you know, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we’re going to get hit with this big storm.”

Good Samaritan’s outreach volunteers are canvassing the city and surrounding areas to alert those who may not know a storm is coming.

“It definitely puts a lot of pieces in motion for us looking for staffing on Christmas and things like that,” says Cahoon. “So thank God we have staff that are willing to show up and work to make sure that we can get a roof over everyone’s head during the storm.”

From 6pm to 6am each night the temperature drops and it rains, centers will be open to provide means of warmth, food, and basic needs.

“We will be giving out stockings on Christmas to everybody that shows up,” says Cahoon. “We want everyone to know that it’s Christmas. We don’t have the ability to put up a tree or anything like that, but for many of them, the best present for Christmas on a rainy Christmas will be somewhere where they can just have some warm soup and get out of the weather.”

If you need to find the nearest shelter to you, you can dial 211 or visit ReadySBC.org.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On OurMobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for theNews Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Patricia Martellotti

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) – Tree cutting at a known monarch butterfly habitat in Ventura was halted after city officials arrived at the scene and ordered crews to stop work.

Monarch conservationist Chris Amendt of Native Monarchs raised concerns as crews began removing trees at the Vista Del Mar site, a location long recognized as a monarch overwintering habitat.

City code enforcement initially issued a verbal stop-work order to the contractor.

After city staff left the site, work continued, with the contractor telling community members who remained that they would not stop without a written order.

Code enforcement later returned and issued a physical stop-work notice, which ultimately halted the tree cutting.

Casey Rodriguez, a member of the Ventura City Arts and Culture Commission, said the tree removal is deeply concerning.

“We need trees to live, and we need to protect all our relatives — all relatives matter. This is disturbing. We need to come together, as I always say, and right now our priority is saving the trees,” said Rodriguez.

Ventura City Councilmember Alex Mangone said the project cannot move forward without additional approvals.

Mangone was present when the stop-work order was enforced.

“They will be required to obtain two separate permits to continue the full scope of work, including the removal of all 35 or so trees they were hired to remove. At this time, there is a stop-work order in place,” said Mangone.

The area had remained untouched for more than a decade before drawing renewed attention following recent Ventura City Council discussions and increased activity on social media.

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Mike Klan

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – Guard Hamad Mousa scored a game high 33 points – including sinking three successive free throws with three seconds to play to force overtime – but the Cal Poly men’s basketball program, after overturning an 18-point deficit with seven minutes remaining in regulation, dropped an 83-80 overtime home decision against Idaho Sunday evening to close the 2025 calendar year.

Fellow sophomore Cayden Ward finished with 22 points for Cal Poly (5-9), which trailed Idaho (8-4), 67-49, before closing regulation with a 24-6 run. With Cal Poly still facing a 71-65 deficit and 81 seconds to play, Ward converted a three-point play before Mousa cut the gap to one after knocking down a jumper with 11 seconds on the clock.

With Cal Poly forced to foul, Vandals guard Kolton Mitchell – who scored 31 points – sank two free throws to keep Idaho in front with nine seconds left, 73-70. Mousa though was fouled attempting a three-pointer with three seconds and sank all three attempts to deadlock the matchup at the buzzer, 73-73 (left).

Playing its first overtime game of the season, Cal Poly took its first lead of the game after sophomore guard Peter Bandelj opened the extra period with a pair of free throws. Cal Poly then scratched out a 78-75 advantage with two minutes left after Ward hit a three-pointer.

Idaho, however, answered with a jumper from guard Biko Johnson to close to within a point before Mitchell converted a four-point play to hand the Vandals an 81-78 lead with seven seconds to go.

Cal Poly trailed at the Sunday’s break, 29-26, despite a 25.0 (7-for-28) percent first-half shooting mark before Idaho opened the second half with back-to-back three-pointers. The Vandals led by as much as 19 points and were up 67-49 before the Mustangs produced a 14-0 run to shave their deficit to four points with two-and-a-half minutes remaining.

Cal Poly Noteworthy (versus Idaho Jan. 21)

Up Next:After an 11-day holiday break, Cal Poly plays its first New Year’s Day game since 1966 and resumes Big West action when welcoming defending conference champion UC San Diego on Thursday, Jan. 1 at 7 p.m.A double-digit scorer in all 13 appearances, Hamad Mousa maintained the Big West scoring lead at 20.6 points per game.Mousa enjoyed his second collegiate double-double after co-leading Cal Poly with 10 rebounds.Cal Poly now features three of the Big West’s top seven scorers with Peter Bandelj (16.2) ranking sixth and Cayden Ward (16.1) seventh.Junior Kieran Elliott grabbed a Cal Poly best 10 rebounds against Idaho.Sunday’s matchup was Cal Poly’s first overtime game since a 112-100 home victory against UC Riverside (Feb. 22, 2025).

(Article courtesy Cal Poly Athletics).

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Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) The Light Up the Harbor Chanukah Celebration in Ventura was led by Rabbi Yakov Latowicz from Melbourne, Australia.

His wife Sarah seemed glad he would get to share his thoughts following the tragedy during the first night of Chanukah at a Bondi Beach celebration one week ago.

“All the Chabad Rabbis around the world are resolved not to cancel a single menorah lighting, to add menorah lightings, to add public menorahs,” said Yakov Latowicz.

Some people skipped the local celebration in wake of the deadly shooting that is being investigated as terrorism against Jews.

Latowicz said they want everyone to feel the light and love and hope of Chanukah.

“I want people to know that they shouldn’t be afraid, they should specially for the Jews, they should be proud to be Jewish, they’ve got to be bold, the kind of people who perpetrated the atrocity in Bondi they want us to cower, to hide, to hide under the bed to take our star of David, our Chai, take the mezuzah off the door, at times like this, we have to be prouder than ever, we’ve got to take our Judaism outside, not hide it indoors, very, very important and it is important to the non-Jewish community, we need you guys, we are part of your community and we need allies, we need friends, that is why we do public lightings,” said Latowicz.

He said he was sent to the local community by the worldwide leader of the Chabad movement.

“You counter random acts of violence with random acts of kindness and goodness and charity and that is the message we want to send out to everybody, be kinder than you were yesterday, be sweeter to another person than you where yesterday that is the message of Chanukah.”

Chabad Ventura invited Chris the Juggler to entertain the crowd in Ventura Harbor Village before the lighting of seventh candle on the menorah.

During the celebration children had a chance to make Chanukah cards that sparkled.

 Some people wore menorah inspired clothing including light blue Micky Mouse ears.

One dog owner dressed his four-legged-friend in a Chanukah outfit.

Chanukah began Sunday, Dec. 14 and ends at nightfall on Monday, Dec. 22.

For more information about Chabad Ventura at https://www.chabadventura.com

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