Author: KEYT

Mike Klan

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Led by two home runs from Alejandro Garza, seven Mustangs finished with multiple hits and four with multiple RBIs as Cal Poly exploded for a 14-9 series-opening victory over UC Riverside (16-34, 5-23 BW) at Baggett Stadium.

Cal Poly improved to 35-16 overall and 21-7 in the conference after putting up double-digit runs for the fifth time in the last six games. Despite leaving 14 runners stranded, the Mustangs still ended up mashing 20+ hits for the third time this season.

After Cal State Fullerton eked out a 9-7 ninth-inning comeback win against UC Irvine, the Titans locked themselves into the tournament’s three seed and became Cal Poly’s opponent next Thursday at 7:00 pm in Fullerton.

That result also meant Cal Poly’s co-regular season title hopes are still alive as the Mustangs can catch the Anteaters for first place if UC Irvine is swept and Cal Poly sweeps UC Riverside. With the win, Cal Poly moved up three places in the Warren Nolan RPI rankings from 44 to 41.

After a four-hit day for Dante Vachini, his second such effort in May, the freshman outfielder has 12 hits in his last five games. Another freshman, Nate Castellon, having collected eight RBIs this month coming into the game, tallied another three RBIs and went 3-for-5 tonight.

Alejandro Garza (3-for-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI) and Ryan Fenn (2-for-4, 2 RBI) increased their hitting streaks to 10 and 11 games, respectively. Zach Daudet (2-for-5), Jack Collins (2-for-6), Nate Castellon (3-for-5), and Casey Murray Jr. (2-for-5) accounted for the remaining multi-hit efforts aside from the aforementioned Vachini.

Naess and Co. sat down the UCR side in order, including a leadoff K, to kick off the regular season’s final series, followed by strikeouts to end the second and third innings.

Alejandro “Peanut” Garza flashed his newly acquired power to clobber his fourth home run of the season 426 feet over left-center to give Cal Poly a series-opening 1-0 lead in the third inning.

With Castellon on base and two outs in the third, Cam Hoiland knocked in an RBI single to put the Mustangs up by another run.

Three straight pop-ups in the fourth inning accounted for Naess’ fourth consecutive three-up three-down frame.

Back-to-back hits from Daudet and Fenn led off the bottom of four as Fenn tallied an RBI single to increase the Mustang lead.

Continuing the bottom of the fourth, with Castellon up to bat and both Fenn and Garza on the corners, the freshman shortstop laid down a perfectly-placed bunt down the first base line that jammed up the pitcher with nowhere to go for an out, giving Castellon the RBI bunt.

Later, Hoiland picked up his second RBI of the day in scoring Castellon from third on a sac fly.

After four flawless innings, Naess lost his perfect bid in the fifth with a leadoff walk before allowing a quartet of hits and four runs through the next five Highlander batters, cutting Cal Poly’s lead to 5-4.

The Mustangs battled back with a vengeance in the bottom half with Garza’s second home run of the day, which put a pair on the board, and an RBI base hit from Castellon, returning a four-run lead to Cal Poly.

UC Riverside scored in consecutive innings when hitting a 2 RBI single to left center that narrowed the Mustang lead once more to 8-6 in the sixth.

That UCR surge ended Griffin Naess’ day after 5 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits, seven runs, and three walks while also fanning three Highlanders in his final regular-season start.

Josh Morano took the mound for Naess and promptly struck out his first Highlander batter to close the inning without any more damage.

The Mustangs stretched their lead back to three in the bottom of six with UC Riverside’s balk that advanced Vachini home for the run.

The Mustangs tallied four runs in the sixth to eclipse double-digits for the fifth time in the last six games. UCR’s pitcher balked Vachini in, Collins smacked an RBI single up the middle, Garza took home on an errant pick-off attempt at third, and Castellon collected an RBI triple to bat Collins in.

UC Riverside managed to load the bases in the top of seven and scored one on a bobbled grounder by Ryan Fenn, which was notched as an error that brought in an unearned run. The Highlanders added a second run in the inning just three pitches later with an RBI single.

RBI singles from Vachini and Fenn added two more runs to the growing Cal Poly lead after seven innings. The base hit from Vachini made for his second four-hit outing of the month and 12th hit in his last five games.

Cal Poly’s lead persisted through Josh Morano and Troy Cooper closing the final 3 1/3 innings as Griffin Naess was awarded the win and improved to 6-2 on the season.

(Article courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics)

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Baseball team (35-16, 15-13 Big West) took a big step towards qualifying for The Big West Championship on Thursday, recording a 5-4 win over Cal State Bakersfield (17-37, 8-20 Big West). Jackson Flora issued 11 strikeouts to earn the win on the mound, and Cole Tryba picked up six more in the process of recording an 11-out save. The Gauchos now need just one more from their next two games to secure a spot in the conference tournament.

HOW IT HAPPENEDThe teams traded one, two, three innings in the first and Cal State Bakersfield struck with a two-out home run in the top of the second to take an early 1-0 lead, but the Gauchos responded in the third. Flora bounced back with a perfect top of the third, including a pair of strikeouts, and the Santa Barbara offense manufactured two runs in the bottom half of the inning. Cole Kosciusko got things started with a double on the first pitch of the frame, then LeTrey McCollum’s bloop single into center put Gauchos on the corners. McCollum then stole second and Jack Holman drove home the first Santa Barbara run of the night on an RBI groundout. McCollum took Kosciusko’s place on third when the latter of the two scored on Holman’s grounder, and Isaac Kim plated McCollum with a sacrifice fly — a lineout to the fence in left.

Flora struck out the side for the second time on the evening in the top of the fourth, and the Gaucho offense kept on ticking in the bottom half. Rowan Kelly’s hustle down the line earned him a one-out infield single and drew a rushed throw, which bounced away to allow Kelly to advance to second. Xavier Esquer and Corey Nunez were both hit by pitches to load the bases, and Kosciusko drove home Kelly with the Gauchos’ second sacrifice fly in as many innings. Esquer then took advantage of a passed ball to scurry home from third and make it 4-1, Santa Barbara. Jonathan Mendez’s two-out RBI single turned Nate Vargas’ double into another run in the bottom of the fifth, stretching Santa Barbara’s lead to four runs.

The visitors got a run back in the top of the sixth, as a walk and a hit batter put two ‘Runners on and ended Flora’s day on the bump. Tryba was summoned in relief and got the second out of the inning on a fielder’s choice. The Gauchos tried to turn two on the play, a grounder to Holman, but it was hardly a tailor-made play and the return throw was just not in time. The lead runner had taken third on the play and later scored when Tryba was called for a balk. Bakersfield was able to bring the tying run to the plate after an infield single, but Tryba got out of the inning without any further damage.

The Gauchos’ electric lefty reliever came back and struck out the side in the top of the seventh, then returned and navigated a tricky eighth. Back-to-back singles and a hit batter loaded the bases with nobody out, but Tryba responded with a strikeout and induced a flyout to center, though that did score another run to make the score 5-3. A grounder back to Tryba ended the inning with Santa Barbara’s lead still at two.

The ninth was no easier for Tryba, despite him starting the frame with a strikeout. A single, passed ball and productive groundout put a ‘Runner on third with two outs, and a two-out single made it a one-run game. That brought Bakersfield’s home run leader, Evan Cloyd, who also leads the nation in hit by pitches, to the plate as the go-ahead run. In a 1-2 count, Cloyd took a pitch off his elbow guard, but after review it was ruled that he had stuck his arm into the pitch to try and be hit. By rule, that action results in a strike, which just so happened to be strike three to end the game.

BY THE NUMBERSCloyd’s ninth-inning hit by pitch turned strikeout was the third time he was called back to the plate after trying to take a free pass to first; he was also brought back in the first for what turned out to be a foul ball and he was called for leaning into a pitch in the eighth. All three times, the Gauchos had successfully challenged the original hit by pitch call.The game-ending strikeout was Santa Barbara’s 17th of the night, a season high for the Gauchos’ staff and one shy of tying the team’s single-game strikeout record of 18. The last time Santa Barbara pitchers racked up 18 punchouts was May 25, 2024 against UC Riverside.At the plate, the Gauchos hit two more sacrifice flies on Thursday night, bringing their season total up to 27, the most in The Big West. Vargas has eight and Kosciusko six, putting them second and third in the conference, respectively.

UP NEXTSanta Barbara has just two games left to play in the 2025 regular season and just one more win will guarantee them a spot in The Big West Championship. The Gauchos and Roadrunners will play the second game of this weekend’s three-game series on Friday, May 16 at 4:35 p.m. before concluding the series on Senior Day, Saturday, May 17 at 1:05 p.m.

(Article courtesy of UCSB Athletics).

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Several police agencies welcomed the public to take part in a special remembrance ceremony on this National Police Officers Memorial Day.

Figueroa Street was closed off in downtown Santa Barbara where the police headquarters is located.

Bag pipes played and those gathering, both staff and community members, reflected on the front line law enforcement workers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Police Chief Kelly Gordon personally remembered four police officers she worked with in her 30 year career who lost their lives in the line of duty.

As names were read from those who were from the Santa Barbara Police Department, a bell rang out for each of them.

The fire department joined with a ladder truck and hung a flag over the event.

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Alissa Orozco

PORT HUENEME, Calif – The family of a missing teen is reaching out to the public for assistance locating the young girl after she was last seen on May 9th getting into a vehicle around 2:00am.

16-year-old Stephanie Guerrero was last seen in Port Hueneme getting into a black Ram 1500 truck in the early hours of May 9th.

According to her family, Stephanie is 5’6, 120 lbs, and may be wearing her glasses.

Anyone with information about Stephanie’s whereabouts should contact the Port Hueneme Police at  805-986-6530

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Santa Barbara regarding construction beginning for the Dwight Murphy Field Renovation Project scheduled to begin June 2nd.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department will begin construction on the long-awaited Dwight Murphy Field Renovation Project on June 2. The renovation will transform the 100-year-old park into a modern, inclusive recreation space designed to serve a broad range of users.

The renovated park will feature Santa Barbara’s first all-abilities playground, created in partnership with the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. Gwendolyn’s Playground will include a multi-story treehouse, hill slides, inclusive swings, musical play elements, and a calming pod.

A new multi-sport field, sized to accommodate youth and adult soccer, rugby, and lacrosse, will feature defined areas on the sidelines for players and spectators, as well as improved sports lighting.

Additional park improvements include an expanded outdoor fitness area, a large grass lawn for drop-in activities and picnics, a shaded group picnic area, updated restrooms, new walking paths with lighting, and increased parking.

“This renovation honors the legacy of Dwight Murphy Field while creating a space that reflects the needs of our community today,” said Jill Zachary, Parks and Recreation Director. “From the all-abilities playground to the new sports field and picnic areas, we’re building a park that welcomes everyone.”

The City selected Ohno Construction, a firm with over 50 years of experience building parks and community spaces, to lead construction. Fencing will be installed starting May 30, with construction beginning the following week. The park is expected to reopen in spring 2027.

There will be no access within or through the park during construction. Niños Drive will be open from Cabrillo Boulevard to the Santa Barbara Zoo, and Por La Mar will be open adjacent to the park. All other surrounding roads will remain open. Parking will be limited along the perimeter of the park during construction.

Funding for project construction includes $6 million raised by the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, a $5 million pledge from Ty Warner, $1.5 million of federal Community Project Funding (CPF) secured by Congressman Salud Carbajal, and $19.5 million in City funds.

Visit the city’s website for more information.

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Alissa Orozco

Summer is right around the corner, and Central Coast is taking full advantage of the warmer weather! You should join in. Here’s what’s going on this weekend near and far:

SANTA BARBARA – SOUTH COUNTY

Photo: Old Spanish Days

Jack White “No Name” Tour ~ Thursday, May 15th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Bowl

⏰ 7:00pm

🪩 The Santa Barbara Bowl is starting off the summer right with their summer concert series. Former White Stripes musician, Jack White, is the taking the stage this weekend, with special guests Pancho and the Wizards! Learn more here.

La Primavera 2025 ~ Saturday, May 17th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum

⏰ 5:30pm – 10:00pm

🪩 Join Old Spanish Days as this year’s El Presidente, Fritz Olenberger, unveils the 2025 Fiesta poster and pin! Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta will do their first dances of the year as guests enjoy dinner. This event officially kicks off the Fiesta season, so don’t miss out! Learn more here.

Fix-it Fair ~ Saturday, May 17th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Public Library

⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 Reuse and repair your old clothing, jewelry, bikes and more at this fix-it fair! Local volunteers will be available for repairs for your broken or worn items. Learn about refillable bulk products from Sunkissed Pantry, swap plants with Idyll Mercantile, and participate in a community dye bath. Learn more here.

Bonsai Exhibition ~ May 17th – 18th in Montecito

📍Montecito Union School District

⏰ 10:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 Come view centuries old, skillfully crafted bonsai trees on display this weekend. Take home your own bonsai tree or bring in your own to the bonsai clinic! Sign up for the perfect beginner package – $20 for a tree, a class and a half year membership to the club! Learn more here.

The Good Good Show ~ Saturday, May 17th in Santa Barbara

📍Night Lizard Brewing Co.

⏰ 7:30pm

🪩 It’s time for another Good Good Show! This stand-up comedy show features the hottest comedians working today that you’ve seen or heard on Comedy Central, America’s Got Talent, Netflix, Jimmy Kimmel, and more. The lineup this week includes Brian Jacobovitz, Shane Bianchi, Aparna Nancherla, and Julie Wedmann. Learn more here.

Ellwood Mesa 20th Anniversary ~ Saturday, May 17th in Goleta

📍Ellwood Mesa Sperling Open Space

⏰ 11:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 It’s been 20 years since the community came together to help save the Ellwood Mesa. The space is now an environmental sanctuary for monarch butterflies, native wildlife, and all who love to explore the trails. Join in on this family, friendly event with activities, music, history, and more. Learn more here.

Bird Fest! ~ Saturday, May 17th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Botanical Garden

⏰ 10:30am – 12:30pm

🪩 Birds are the center of attention this weekend at the botanical garden! Grab your binoculars and go on a bird safari to see the native birds in our area, and learn to make a natural bird feeder! This event is free with admission. Learn more here.

Buellton Family Wellness Day ~ Saturday, May 17th in Buellton

📍151 Sycamore Dr

⏰ 11:00am – 3:00pm

🪩 This is a great opportunity for the whole family to learn about overall wellness. There will be free workshops and booths to learn more. Free food, raffle items, t-shirts, and handouts will be given to attendees. Learn more here.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Photo: City of Paso Robles

Blueberry Festival at SLO Ranch ~ Saturday, May 17th in San Luis Obispo

📍SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace

⏰ 11:00am

🪩 Join SLO Ranch Farms at their first ever Blueberry Festival! The outdoor marketplace will host an all-day event with live music, a petting zoo, line dancing, local vendors, and of course – blueberry-themed specials. Break out your cowboy boots and come party at the ranch. Learn more here.

Toy-Anime-Comic Con ~ May 17th – 18th in San Luis Obispo

📍San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge

⏰ 11:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 This local convention is heaven for any collector or anime/superhero fan. You can find collectable cards and comics, and come dressed in your best cosplay for a chance to win some prizes. Voice actress Lia Sargent will be attendance to meet with fans! Learn more here.

Central Coast Jewish Heritage Festival ~ Sunday, May 18th in San Luis Obispo

📍Mitchell Park

⏰ 12:00pm – 3:00pm

🪩 This celebration of Jewish heritage will take place this weekend, and attendees can expect to see efforts from over 20 organizations. Enjoy kosher food trucks, local artisans, and much more. The family can practice their Hebrew at their speaking booth and making their own pickles! Learn more here.

Paso Wine Fest ~ May 15th – 18th in Paso Robles

📍Check Event Calendar for Locations

⏰ Check Event Calendar for Times

🪩 What a better place to enjoy fine wineries, than the notable Paso Robles Wine Country. Get immersed in the world of wine with dinners, seminars, and food and wine tastings. Tastings featuring 100+ wineries, you don’t want to miss this once-a-year experience. Learn more here.

Public Works Night at the SLO Farmers’ Market ~ Thursday, May 15th in San Luis Obispo

📍Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market

⏰ 6:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 Various law enforcement officers and departments will be at this week’s farmer’s market. The public can ask officers questions, engage in interactive demonstrations, test out equipment and vehicles, and more! Learn more here.

Grover Beach Bike Parade ~ Saturday, May 17th in Grover Beach

📍Grover Beach City Hall

⏰ 10:30am – 12:30pm

🪩 As part of National Bike Month, Grover Beach is hosting a bike parade, encouraging folks to dust off the old bikes! All ages are welcome for a fun, and easy ride through the city of Grover Beach. The ride will end at Sixteenth Street Park, right in time for the Strawberry Festival! Learn more here.

Strawberries Through Grover Beach Festival ~ Saturday, May 17th in Grover Beach

📍Sixteenth Street Park

⏰ 11:00am – 6:00pm

🪩 This local festival centers around the Central Coast’s most stand out crops! Local vendors will be selling strawberry-themed foods and treats, and a lineup of other food trucks is also scheduled. Live music will play all day from an array of artists and genres! Learn more here.

VENTURA COUNTY

Pollinator Palooza ~ Saturday, May 17th in Ventura

📍 Barranca Vista Park

⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm

🪩 This is a great free event where the whole family can learn about all kinds of pollinators including, bees, butterflies, and more. Meet with environmental experts about the importance of pollinators and how to keep them flourishing. Learn more here.

California Strawberry Festival ~ May 17th – 18th in Ventura

📍Ventura County Fairgrounds

⏰ 10:00am – 6:30pm

🪩 This community favorite festival is one you won’t want to miss. The California Strawberry Festival is head right in our backyards and brings vendors, families, and organizations from all over the state! Dig into strawberry-themed treats, view arts & crafts, enjoy live entertainment, and so much more. Learn more here.

Silent Reading with Cats ~ Saturday, May 17th in Ventura

📍Cassie’s Cats

⏰ 6:30pm – 7:30pm

🪩 Truly nothing better than a good book and kitty cat by your side. Cassie’s Cats is hosting an evening of silent reading where guests can relax with a good book surrounded by cats! Check in just before 6:30pm, silent reading from 6:30-7pm, and mingling time from 7-7:30pm. Learn more here.

Rebozo Festival ~ Sunday, May 18th in Camarillo

📍Camarillo Ranch

⏰ 11:00am – 5:00pm

🪩 This annual event acts as both a fundraising event and a celebration of Mexican culture. The colorful Mexican shawl (rebozo) acts as the theme, and the event hosts Ventura County non-profit organizations. The festival will have a rebozo fashion show, silent auctions, unique gifts at “La Tiendita”, Mariachi, and more. Learn more here.

May Flowers Harvest Market ~ Sunday, May 18th in Santa Paula

📍 McKevett Park

⏰ 11:00 – 4:00pm

🪩 April Showers brought in the May Flowers! Over 40 vendors will be at McKevett Park selling flowers for guests to take home this Spring. Guests can also look forward to food trucks and fun activities. Learn more here.

Tall Ship Mystic Whaler Visit ~ May 15th – May 27th in Ventura

📍 Ventura Harbor

⏰ Check for tour times

🪩 Come abroad the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler for a trip around the dock! This 83-foot ship is truly a sight to see. Climb aboard to meet the crew, learn the ropes of schooner life, Hear captivating sea stories and discover how the Mystic Whaler keeps maritime traditions alive. Learn more here.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

It was a pleasant couple of days with warmer conditions through out the Central Coast. As we head into our Friday, a cooling trend is set to arrive as low pressure builds in. Onshore flow is expected to strengthen as well, so partly cloudy to mostly cloudy conditions are expected. There is low visibility concerns for the Friday morning commute. Along the coastline, especially dense marine layer is expected so be sure to keep those low beam lights on.

By Friday afternoon, mostly clear skies depending on your micro climate will return and it will be a day of hot in the sun and cold in the shade. Sundowner winds will pick up once again Friday evening, however no wind alerts have been issued. The forecast for the rest of the week will be very dependent on microclimate, as the interior is expected to have temperatures in the 80s and mostly sunny skies. Temperatures on Friday will be in the 60s and 70s.

 Saturday will be the peak day for the cooling trend with temperatures dropping a couple of degrees. During this time, temperatures will be 5-15 degrees below average. The marine layer may be dense enough to produce some mist and drizzle for Saturday, however, partly cloudy conditions are expected for the inland areas, but have a higher chance of clear skies. Prepare for a cooler weekend and possibly a wet weekend. By Sunday, numbers slowly rise and we prepare for a warming trend beginning Monday. Sunshine and warmer temperatures are headed to the region. By next week, the inland areas will reach close to 90 degrees as we enter a mini heat wave.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Valley has long been known for its equestrian roots. 

But today, local ranches struggle to stay afloat. 

Arabian horses are one of the oldest breeds in the world of horses.

For thousands of years, they have has excelled in grace, agility and speed.   

“There’s something special about Arabian horses. They’re intelligent, they’re kind, they’re incredibly aware of their environments. They are nurtured to be so, they had to live with their masters in the desert,” said Arabian specialist, Scott Benjamin of Australia.

Janina Merz raises Arabian horses at Om El Arab in Santa Ynez Valley. 

This season, she’s making sure the next generation is born.

“It’s a very important time. It’s the time where we get the next generation of horses… like this mare right here is six generations of our breeding… so she goes back all the way to our foundation that my parents bought in 1970,” said Merz.

One of her Arabian horses is four days old – already showing potential to, one day, become a show horse.

“I don’t know if you guys know this, but foals aren’t born… they don’t come out friendly. You have to do things with them every day so that they get used to people,” said Merz.

Over the years, Om el Arabians has raised hundreds of international champion horses, and is one of the most respected.

“This has become very much a Mecca now here at Om El, which is one of the last remaining icons of the Arabian horse industry here in the valley,” said Benjamin.

It’s an industry where Santa Ynez Valley once dominated. Once one of the largest horse breeding regions in the world, with a population of more than 20,000 horses.

But as time passed, that momentum took a turn. 

“In the 80s, the horse business was very diverse, very large. There were a lot of people in it… in the Santa Ynez here, about 200 Arabian breeding farms. Today, 40 years later, there’s less than a dozen,” said horse rancher Bob Sweeney of Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Riding.

Horse ranchers believe the downturn is due, in part, to a series of recessions and the overall cost of doing business.

“The cost of horse ownership went up… land went up. People lost their way during the recession… they lost their homes… they lost their cars… they lost business,” said Sweeney.

Foaling season begins early in the year, as mares end their long 11-month gestation, when their new babies hit the ground. 

Now, more than ever, the arrival of a new foal is a highly anticipated event, often involving 24-hour video surveillance cameras, sleepless nights for owners, and eventually, a beautiful, bouncing baby!

“When the babies are born everybody gathers to see what we have… it’s a very exciting time, often times we get a late night text… ‘My mare! She’s going to foal tonight!’ Everybody shows up in the morning to see the baby… it’s really fun,” said Sweeney.

“He’s doing very good. He’s got a really wonderful mommy. I think she has had maybe six or seven foals already… so he’s got a good mama,” said Merz.

Horse breeders at Om el Arab are projecting at least 30 foals this season.

“They’re not very many breeding farms, especially in the western part of the world. It’s an important thing to do because if we all stop breeding, then the breed will die,” said Merz.

As horse breeding expanded to other nations, Om El Arab is now among the longest tenured local breeders, and widely considered one of the most prolific Arabian horse breeders in the world. 

Every year, the prestigious ranch has horse enthusiasts visiting just to see these intuitive animals up close and personal.

“To be in a valley that is so horse friendly and just all about community it’s just incredible,” said horse rancher Kylee Parks of Moonshire Manor.

“As human beings, horses are incredibly social animals and there’s a special understanding that we share … that makes that bond so indescribably wonderful,” said Benjamin.

Despite today’s challenges, these majestic creatures seem determined to keep showing off their strength, not in muscle, but in heart.

“Because horses and humans will always share a special bond together, and they will always have a place together in our civilization,” said Benjamin.

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Jarrod Zinn

ORCUTT, Calif. – A newly constructed shopping plaza in Orcutt held a grand opening for its first store today.

The community was excited to welcome a new grocery store.

Residents have been watching the construction and patiently bearing the traffic delays on clark avenue in Orcutt, in anticipation of this morning’s grand opening of the new Grocery Outlet Bargain Market.

Store owner Bryan Lutz moved to Santa Maria with his family to run the new Grocery Outlet in Orcutt, having completed the majority of his training and experience in Sacramento.

“I think we have really amazing value that we can offer to Orcutt. And I also as an owner, love to get involved in the community and help out wherever I can. I’m very passionate about sports and education,” says Bryan Lutz, Orcutt Grocery Outlet’s owner.

Locals say Grocery Outlet’s 40-70 percent discount on name brand items is a warmly welcomed addition to Orcutt, especially during times of inflation and other economic uncertainties.

“It’s a lot bigger than the one we have out in Santa Maria, so I’m kind of interested in what they’ve got in there. And how it looks,” says Santa Maria resident Eddie Rogers.

The warm welcome for the store was reflected in a surprisingly large turnout at 8 Thursday morning, and the line was only about halfway through when the first 100 customer gift cards ran out.

“We’ve only been here since 6 a.m. I know other people have been here a lot longer, but we were really excited to get down here as soon as possible,” says Orcutt resident Janelle Kemlo.

“I was here since 2:00 this morning. Cold,” says Rogers.

“This blew me away. I knew we had excitement. I just… this is incredible,” says Lutz.

Conveniently located just off the freeway on Clark, this newly constructed plaza will host a few more businesses, though just what they’ll be remains undetermined.

With a gas station as the strongest possibility, a fast food restaurant is also a strong candidate, and some locals mentioned they’d like to see something different like a music store such as Guitar Center.

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John Palminteri

BUELLTON, Calif. – This weekend walkers can take a step in the right direction to raise money for mental wellness in Santa Barbara County.

The fundraiser called, Peace of Mind – 10,000 steps in the Right Direction, is the 6th annual walk through the Alma Rosa vineyard, just outside of Buellton.

Debra Eagle is the former General Manager at Alma Rosa Winery and she has come back to coordinate this event. “The winery proprietors, Bob and Barb Zorich, have been longtime advocates of mental health, research and treatments.  All proceeds, every registration fee, every donation, 100% goes to the two foundations. We’re supporting, mental wellness center here in Santa Barbara and One Mind, which funds research.”

Annmarie Cameron, CEO of the Santa Barbara Mental Wellness Center said, “it’s really an expression of starting conversations about mental health. And so when people come together and they go for the walk through the winery, they get, the feeling of helping others, they help themselves”

The walkers will be on a route through the winery for about four miles. It goes through the vineyards at different elevations. Some are not normally open for the public. Eagle said, “these fabulous vantage points that look out over the valley that aren’t normally seen. If they’re driving through the Santa Rita hills, they’re down on the road.”

This special walk began in 2019 and hundreds have taken part in the effort to support the programs funded by the benefit event.

All the money raised will go to the Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara and related programs to assist in mental health through the One Mind organization. This year marks a big milestone, as the winery is aiming to surpass $1 million. Cameron said, “we’re so blessed to have the lead sponsor on the  Alma Rosa Winery match donations. Dollar for dollar, up to $75,000. And with the local corporate sponsors that have come to help us, we’re only about $5,000 short of our match. “

This is all in line with May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

“We are a safety net. We provide support to adults, to their families. We reach into the schools and educate youth, and we provide a lot of housing in the community, ” said Cameron.

Many on the walk have a personal connection. ” I would say probably a majority have someone in their lives who may suffer from more of your everyday anxiety, depression issues, which were very big, during the pandemic and shortly afterwards to people who have, family members who have very serious conditions.”

The walk begins at 9:00am and ends about noon with a reception involving wine and snacks. Additional wineries in the area are also pouring at this event. Live music will be provided by Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, local legends in guitar, blues and harmonica songs.

The event is supported by several regional wine makers.

For more information go to: Alma Rosa Winery

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