Author: KEYT

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – A collision involving a train and semi truck occurred late Wednesday afternoon on Highway 1 near the intersection of Brown Road just south of Guadalupe.

Around 4:15pm, a 2020 Peterblit semi-truck was traveling northbound on Highway 1, making a right turn onto a dirt road leading to an agricultural field, and approached an uncontrolled railroad crossing. An Amtrak train also traveling northbound crashed into the right side of the truck as it made its way through the railroad crossing.

Santa Barbara County Fire Department Public Information Officer Scott Safechuck says approximately 260 passengers were aboard the Amtrak train, with three being transported the hospital with minor injuries.

The vehicle driver was sent to the hospital with major injuries and later died from the severity of his injuries. All transported by two ambulances to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria.

According to Safechuck, the semi truck spilled about 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel and is not actively leaking.

Highway 1 is open south of Guadalupe, but remains closed between Highway 166 and Brown Rd. as crews work on the area.

Several law enforcement and emergency agencies have responded to the incident, including California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, Amtrak Police, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Guadalupe Fire Department and the Santa Maria Fire Department.

At 7 p.m., CHP officers taped off a stretch of the highway close to the location where the crash happened so investigators could continue to work into the night.

California Highway Patrol recommends Amtrak travelers double-check their itineraries for any possible changes in the upcoming days.

Several truck parts of all sizes could be seen strewn across the roadway, as well as along the shoulder of the road on both sides of Highway 1.

“This is a tragic event and a reminder to all of us to exercise extreme caution when driving in agricultural rural areas, especially at uncontrolled railroad crossings. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the tanker truck driver which sadly lost his life,” stated CHP Thursday morning.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A Santa Barbara man was convicted today in a child abuse case that resulted in the death of a three-year-old back in 2023.

According to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney, three-year-old Mila Solis suffered months of abuse from her mother’s boyfriend, 27-year-old Elvis Alberto Lopez. A final violent attack left the young girl with a severed spine and ruptured aorta, causing her death on February 4th, 2023.

Lopez entered a not guilty plea during initial conviction, claiming the toddler had fallen off the bed while they both slept and injured herself.

Evidence was presented by the prosecution showed that Mila’s death was caused by deliberate injury. Lopez was convicted on Oct. 1 by a jury of first degree murder, with the special circumstance that the murder was committed during the commission of Mayhem. He was also found guilty of assault on Assault on a Child Under 8 Causing Death and four counts of Corporal Injury to a Child.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Karapetian, who led the prosecution, said in the press release:

“We are profoundly grateful to the jury for their careful attention and service throughout this emotionally difficult case. Mila was a beautiful, loving child, and while nothing can bring her back, this verdict ensures that the defendant is held accountable for his violent actions.”

Lopez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Sentencing for Lopez is scheduled for December 4th, in Department 2 of the Santa Barbara Superior Court, in front of Judge Pauline Maxwell.

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John Palminteri

Santa Barbara, Calif. (KEYT) – The annual return of the Pianos on State art experience in Santa Barbara could be hitting just the right note to help stimulate the economy.

This combines spontaneous music and the art of custom painted pianos into the downtown area from the waterfront to the Arlington Theatre.

It also veers off slightly to the top entrance at the landmark Lobero Theatre on Canon Perdido St. and also on Victoria Street at the New Vic Theatre entrance.

At any hour between now and October 19th any member of the public, some with professional skills and some just beginners, can sit down and play the piano. It’s free play.

Each one of the pianos has been painted by local artists and they have a special sponsor from a local business. This all adds to the colorful presentation that has strolling pedestrians and bike riders enjoying a rolling soundtrack for multiple blocks.

It is already turning heads and keeping people engaged longer than they had planned in some cases.

Santa Barbara City Councilmember Wendy Santamaria said, “the fact that this is all up and down is really a great way for the community to get involved and spend more time downtown and more time on State Street.”

She was only making a brief stop for lunch and stayed longer. “I just came from grabbing lunch at Yona Redz and I heard the piano.” She then crossed the street to check it out.

At the keyboard was the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Roger Durling who was on a break and practicing a song. “You don’t have to be a good piano player. You could be you know, an amateur. Just come in and tinkle.”

The way the pianos bring in people who are then sometimes bringing in others, or sharing time “benefits all of us, the restaurants and the stores,” he said.

Cities like Denver and New York also have similar programs. The entertainment value also adds to the comfort of the trip down the street and is sometimes a destination for people who would not necessarily have something else to do there.  It all helps the economic return in an area that is looking for a boost.

Many friends and family are taking videos and sharing on social media.

The organizers, the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative say on the Pianos on State website: You don’t have to pass any test, you don’t have to have any qualifications, they’re there for everyone. 

A local attorney, Seth Noorzad has been playing on several pianos during the first two days of the project. “It doesn’t matter, you know, if you’re good or not. It’s just out here, you can just play a little bit for a second or, you know, a little more. You can sit down however long you want.” It comes without pressure. “It doesn’t have to be perfect,” he said.

It won’t be uncommon to see some people trying out all of the pianos.

One performer Ed Baum set up a special camera to record his work. Once it was set he started in on the classic Eagles song, “Hotel California.”

Over the years, artists such as Zach Gill from singer Jack Johnson’s band has put on a lunchtime show that has attracted a street full of onlookers.

There have also been nearby performers coming from their stage shows who move out to the street and do an after party performance at the pianos.

The project comes with support from the City of Santa Barbara, The County Office of Arts and Culture, the Santa Barbara Bowl and the Arts Fund.

Friday there will be a rolling set of special performances that will feature several musicians and theatrical performers spending time at different pianos. It is the 5th annual Masq(p)arade! There will be shows every fifteen minutes from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Masq(p)arade! 2025 Schedule & Lineup:5:30 – 5:45 PM Nadine Pearson @ The Red Piano (519 State St)6:00 – 6:15 PM Haiku in C Minor @ World Market (610 State St)6:30 – 6:45 PM Out of the Box Theatre Company @ Tondi Gelato (401 Paseo Nuevo)7:00 – 7:15 PM Konrad Kono @ Bank of America (834 State St)7:30 – 7:45 PM Piano in the Sky @ The Lobero Theatre (33 E. Canon Perdido St)

For more information, sponsors and a map go to: Pianos On State

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) — Santa Barbara is facing a growing addiction crisis that is straining families and community services, but one local program is giving people hope — and a second chance.

Good Samaritan’s Food for Good Recovery Program combines meals with culinary training to help people overcome addiction while learning new life skills.

For Juan Carvajal, the program has been transformative.

“It changed my life,” he said while preparing lunch with the Food for Good crew in Goleta. “It made me a better man … to do better things, make better choices.”

The program not only provides daily meals but also teaches clients how to cook and build confidence in the kitchen.

“It’s special because we get to help people that have been dealt a bad hand in life,” one program leader explained. “They’re able to learn skills and build confidence.”

Carvajal said the support he received inspired him to give back.

“I got the help here. It makes me feel like I’ll help somebody else too,” he said.

Organizers say demand is growing quickly, with more people reaching out for help every week

“We feed over 156,000 people per year from this kitchen and another one in North County,” one staff member noted.

The program even incorporates fresh ingredients from its own farm.

“Look at these eggs, they’re grown at our farm,” an employee said. “We have chickens and ducks.”

The program’s mission goes beyond meals. Leaders emphasize that Food for Good provides stability, job training, and a pathway forward.

“There are so many different types of homelessness — from being a foster child to somebody living in your car,” a staff member said. “We teach and build their skill set so that hopefully they can get a job in the culinary field.”

For clients like Carvajal, the daily routine has become a source of strength.

“It keeps me busy learning how to cook, learning new things every day,” he said.

Organizers hope to continue expanding the culinary program to reach even more people in Santa Barbara County. And behind every meal served, they say, is a story of resilience and hope.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The California Fire Foundation and the state legislature have designated October as Firefighter Appreciation Month.

This year’s public memorial will once again honor our fallen heroes.

The California Fire Foundation has programs in place to support any responders or their families, throughout the state of California.

“Being a firefighter is dangerous,” says Brian K. Rice, president of the California Fire Foundation. “It can be deadly. It’s dirty.”

Starting with the Palisades and Eaton fires, 2025 has seen a higher level of wildfire activity than usual, all across the state.

“The number of calls is up there,” says Rice. “We’ve had 7200 wildfires this year to date. We’ve had 31 fatalities.”

On Saturday in Sacramento, a public ceremony will honor the lives of 30 fallen firefighters from California who have died in the line of duty, adding their names to the memorial wall.

“40 million people live in the state of California,” says Rice. “Our natural resources and our wildland area is always under constant, constant stress.”

Officials from the fire departments in Santa Barbara and SLO counties say they will not be adding any names, which is certainly a good thing for our Central Coast communities.

“Any time a fire department gets through the year without having a line of duty death, that’s a win,” says Rice. “But I will tell you, the California firefighters memorial is a living memorial because at this point in time, there will not be a year that passes in my lifetime that we don’t add a firefighter’s name to that wall.”

Saturday’s memorial service is open for public attendance, and will stream live on multiple platforms.

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Dave Alley

ORCUTT, Calif. (KEYT) – This week, the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) debuted the wellness center on the Delta campus in Orcutt, which serves more than 300 students.

The new wellness center is the fourth for the school district, which previously opened centers at each of its other three schools, Santa Maria, Righetti and Pioneer Valley.

“Over the past two years, we’ve gained valuable insight from the success of the three WellnessCenters at our comprehensive sites,” said SMJUHSD Wellness Services Director Jose Pereyra. “Using that experience and creativity, we developed the Wellness Center at Delta High School. We carefully designed a plan tailored to the smaller space while ensuring it meets the unique needs of Delta students. The Wellness Center is supported by both a school counselor and a wellness coach, providing students with consistent care.”

According to the district, the centers are designed to offer students a place to decompress and refocus, practice healthy coping mechanisms, or talk with a counselor.

In addition, the district added each of the rooms include comfortable furniture and offer a wide range of positive literature that promotes mental wellness at school, home, and the community.

All four of the wellness centers are staffed by a school counselor and a certified wellness coach.

More than 26,000 students have visited the three district wellness centers since the first one opened in 2023, which SMJUHSD pointed out underscores the growing demand for mental health resources in schools.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Earthquake Brace & Bolt Seismic RetrofitProgram has funds for homeowners who have a house that was built before 1980.The qualified homeowners can get a grant of $3000 to start.

Those with an income under $89,040 can request an additional grant of $7000.

The work will prevent a house from sliding or toppling off its foundation during an earthquake.

It is coordinated through the California Residential Mitigation Program.

For more information click here.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT). – Mitch Wishowsky is back on an NFL roster.

The 33-year old punter from Australia signs a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.

The 4-0 Bills placed punter Cameron Johnston on injured reserved so he will miss at least four games.

Wishnowsky punted six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers playing in two Super Bowls.

But after an injury-plagued 2024 the 49ers waived Wishnowsky in the off-season.

He was briefly on the Washington Commanders practice squad before they released him as well.

Wishnowsky punted at Santa Barbara City College in 2014 and then went to the University of Utah.

He won the Ray Guy Award and was an All-American in 2016 with the Utes.

San Francisco selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

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Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT). – San Marcos returned the favor and now the Channel League race is all tied up at the top.

The Royals intercepted three passes and won a defensive 14-7 battle on the road at rival Dos Pueblos.

(The Royals defense bottled up the Chargers passing attack for most of the game. Entenza Design).

Both teams are now tied for first place at 9-1 with four league games left for each squad.

Earlier this season DP edged the Royals by one point at San Marcos.

Clinging to a 14-7 lead, San Marcos senior Peyton Sperling intercepted a pass deep in Royals territory with under a minute left in the game to seal the game and start the celebration.

After a scoreless first quarter Royals sophomore Victoria Aldana picked off a pass and returned the ball into Dos Pueblos territory.

San Marcos cashed the turnover into points as Aldana, who also plays quarterback, scored on a 1-yard sneak and the Royals led 7-0.

The Royals got a second interception late in the first half by Piper Kittle.

But on the final play of the first half and the Royals knocking on the door, Ruby Streatfeild pulled the flag of receiver Peyton Sperling just a few yards from the end zone to keep the score 7-0.

The Royals increased the lead to 14-0 in the third quarter when Rio Chesluk got the ball in the backfield and she threw a short touchdown pass to Janelle Capuno.

Moments into the fourth quarter DP got back into the game with an explosive play.

Kacey Hurley threw downfield to Brooklyn Hedricks who got behind the defense for a 45-yard touchdown to make it a 14-7 ballgame.

With under two minutes to play the Chargers had 4th and goal from the 13-yard line but the Royals were able to stop a receiver several yards shy of the end zone.

But DP forced a three and out and after a short punt the Chargers had the ball inside the Royals 30-yard line.

But Sperling made the big defensive play and the Royals got their revenge.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) When the United States Senate failed to pass a short-term spending bill before the September 30 deadline, the impasse triggered a federal government shutdown that began at midnight in Washington, D.C.

Before the shutdown, former State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson and former Santa Barbara City Council Member Dale Francisco shared their perspectives.

Jackson is a Democrat. Francisco is a Republican.

“You know, the President of the United States at one point defined the closure of government as the fault of the president before he was the president. It is the responsibility of our leader to make sure that we can come together. But he has abdicated that responsibility. He doesn’t want that to happen. He wants to see the government shut down,” said Jackson.

Jackson added that while Republicans hold all the branches of government, Democrats are focusing on health care.

“They want concessions on health care that are going to impact the lives of millions of Americans. They want to end the cuts to Medicaid that are about to occur in January,” Jackson said.

She argued that those in power are not willing to negotiate.

“At the end of the day, this falls upon the Republicans. It falls upon the Republican Congress, and it falls on the President of the United States,” Jackson said.

The immediate impacts are already being felt. About 750,000 federal employees are facing furloughs or working without pay. The Federal Aviation Administration expects more than 11,000 of its workers to be sidelined, raising concerns about airline delays and training backlogs.

National Parks and public lands are closing visitor centers and cutting services. Social Security and Medicare checks are still going out, but support staff and customer service are limited. Past shutdowns have also shown the economic cost can add up quickly. The 2018–19 shutdown carried an estimated 11 billion dollar hit to the U.S. economy, with some losses never recovered.

Francisco sees the negotiations another way.

“I think the Democrats would really be making a mistake to do it, both politically and rationally. But they might feel driven to it because their base wants them to stand up to Trump,” Francisco said.

He pointed to possible cuts.“Bureaucracies that Trump would be happy to get rid of will lay people off,” said Francisco.

He argued Democrats are in a difficult spot.“What we do know is that the Democrats are not faced with any good choices in this. The whole idea that the leadership is resisting and saying we will drive it to a shutdown if we need to, that is not a good choice for them. It is a lose-lose situation, actually,” Francisco said.

Francisco added that local impacts are likely to be minor.“The big effect is going to be in Washington, D.C., and Trump has said he is fine with an opportunity to lay off more federal workers,” Francisco said.

Jackson, however, expressed concern about the ripple effects.“Trump has threatened to fire federal workers, so who knows what is going to happen with these different agencies. It is an opportunity for him to create more and more chaos,” said Jackson.

Both agreed that National Parks would be impacted immediately, but essential services would continue.

U.S. Senators said they plan to return to a vote first thing Wednesday morning, and that vote could change the outcome.

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