Author: KEYT

Alissa Orozco

If you’re looking for some activities following your Mother’s Day brunch this weekend, the Central Coast has got you covered. Here’s what’s going on this weekend near and far:

SANTA BARBARA – SOUTH COUNTY

Meet Me in Old Town Goleta ~ Thursday, May 8th in Goleta

📍Goleta Community Center

⏰ 5:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 On the third Thursday of May, July, and August, the City of Goleta is hosting a community block party to highlight the charm of Old Town! Old Town businesses will participate with tastings and promotions, and each event will have a unique musical performance! Learn more here.

Community History Day ~ Saturday, May 10th in Santa Barbara

📍El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

⏰ 11:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 This free, family-friendly event celebrates Santa Barbara’s unique and diverse history. Enjoy hands-on learning stations, arts & crafts tables, activity tables led by local organizations, historical walking tours and interactive exhibit experiences that highlight the layered histories of Santa Barbara’s Presidio Neighborhood over time. Learn more here.

Santa Barbara Cactus & Succulent Society Show and Sale ~ Saturday, May 10th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Women’s Club

⏰ 10:00am – 3:00pm

🪩 This local plant society will be showing off and selling cacti, succulents, ceramic pots, and pottery. The society is also accepting plant donations to showcase, and the community can even put their own plants on display at the ‘Club Members” table. Learn more here.

Santa Barbara Community Yard Sale ~ Saturday, May 10th in Santa Barbara

📍Various Locations | Check digital map for locations

⏰ 8:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 Help the city of Santa Barbara reduce waste and repurpose items by shopping at the community-wide yard sale. Over 100 community members will be hosting yard sales at their homes, and you never know what you might find. Learn more here.

Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show 60th Anniversary ~ May 10th – 11th in Santa Barbara

📍E. Cabrillo Blvd

⏰ 10:00am – 6:00pm

🪩 The Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts show is held every weekend, but this upcoming weekend marks the 60th anniversary of the beloved community event. To celebrate the milestone, Participating artists will give away free commemorative tote bags while supplies last. Learn more here.

Breathe & Blossom: A Mother’s Day Celebration ~ Sunday, May 11th in Santa Barbara

📍Paseo Nuevo

⏰ 11:00am – 12:00pm

🪩 Bring the mom in your life to this relaxing event centered around her. Enjoy a 45-minute nourishing yoga class led by local confidence coach Itzy Canales, live music, a hands-on bouquet bar by Flora Divina, and warm beverages from Considered Coffee! Remember to bring a yoga mat, water, and anything your little one might need. Learn more here.

Wine Country Half Marathon ~ Saturday, May 10th in Solvang

📍Downtown Solvang

⏰ 7:00am

🪩 This marathon hosted in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country offers a one-of-a-kind trail through flower bedded vineyards and magical views. Celebrate the accomplishment with a wine festival with some of the best local wineries in Santa Ynez. Learn more here.

SANTA MARIA – NORTH COUNTY

7th Annual Santa Maria BBQ Festival ~ Saturday, May 10th in Santa Maria

📍Pioneer Park

⏰ 12:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 This 21+ event features great BBQ from various BBQ masters, and cold beer from Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. You can shop from local vendors to make your own Santa Maria BBQ at home! The event supports a local non-profit’s Back-to-School Shopping Program! Learn more here.

3rd Annual Mother’s Day in the Garden ~ Sunday, May 11th in Nipomo

📍Birchwood Plant Shop & Beerery

⏰ 11:00am – 3:00pm

🪩 Celebrate Mom at Birchwood where they’ll have a variety of things to do. They’ll have great food, jewelry to shop from, photo opportunities, and more! Birchwood has a gorgeous garden that is perfect to walk through in this warmer weather. Learn more here.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Photo: Downtown Paso Robles

Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival ~ Saturday, May 10th in Paso Robles

📍Downtown City Park

⏰ 10:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 Get a taste of some of Paso Robles’ rich offerings of olive oils and lavender products. The fresh scents will be hard to ignore as local farmers set up their displays of products and tastings! Plus unique jewelry, arts, and crafts! Learn more here.

Family Free Day: Faerie Festival ~ Sunday, May 11th in San Luis Obispo

📍San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

⏰ 10:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 The SLO Botanical Garden is hosting their free Faerie Festival – perfect for all ages! You can make a one-of-a-kind wand, plant some seeds in the Children’s Garden, help create a beautiful faerie mural, and make & take home a mini faerie garden! Faerie attire is welcomed and encouraged. Learn more here.

Pacific Breeze Concerts ~ Sunday, May 11th in Shell Beach

📍Dinosaur Caves Park

⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 The City of Pismo Beach is hosting some monthly concerts on the 2nd Sunday throughout the summer. Enjoy talented, regional musical group with an unbelievable view! There will also be special family activities and food available for purchase. Learn more here.

Law Enforcement Night ~ Thursday, May 8th 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.

VENTURA COUNTY

Photo: KYMA

Findings Market Spring Fair ~ Saturday, May 10th in Ventura

📍 Findings Market

⏰ 10:00am – 5:00pm

🪩 If you’re still in need of a last minute Mother’s Day gift, this is just the event for you. You can choose from over 100 vendors and merchants and their handcrafted goods. There will be live music, delicious food and drinks, and fun activities for all ages. Learn more here.

Mother’s Day Market ~ May 10th – 11th in Ventura

📍Ventura Harbor Village

⏰ 11:00am – 6:00pm

🪩 Find a unique, ceramic gift this Mother’s Day at this market. Hosted by Ventura Pottery Gallery, you can find handcrafted mugs, vases, and sculptures you won’t find anywhere else! Learn more here.

Apricot Festival and Art Fair ~ Saturday, May 11th in Moorpark

📍Arroyo Vista Community Park

⏰ 11:00am – 5:00pm

🪩 Once named the apricot capital of the world, this fruit festival celebrates Moorpark’s rich history. It will be full of apricot-themed food, drinks, arts, and more! A full line up of performances are scheduled so get there early! Learn more here.

Mother’s Day Mariachi Festival ~ Saturday, May 10th in Oxnard

📍Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center

⏰ 2:00pm

🪩 The annual Mother’s Day Mariachi Festival is kicking off this weekend with performances from Mariachi Reyes Del Aserradero and Mariachi Reynas de Los Angeles (de Jose Hernandez). There will be some early pre-shows to the main show starting at 11:00am. Learn more here.

The Addams Family ~ May 8th – 11th in Oxnard

📍Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center

⏰ Various Showtimes

🪩 See this bizarre and iconic family LIVE in Thousand Oaks! Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family.  Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Learn more here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jarrod Zinn

SOLVANG, Calif. – Local Catholics are still reeling from this morning’s announcement from the Vatican that the first American pope has been elected.

Most reactions seem hopeful and positive.

Certainly a lot of surprise, a lot of raised eyebrows, as no one expected an American to ever be elected pope, but here we are.

If a TV, radio, or social media outlet was on near you Thursday morning, it’s likely you heard the Vatican’s announcement that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became the first American pope in history.

“Granny Moth, you have an American pope so you can dance up there in heaven. And I’m happy for everyone in the family that’s up there now, enjoying this moment. A great moment for all of us,” says Michael McKown, who was visiting Old Mission Santa Ines from his home in Paramount.

The new pope has chosen to be known by the name Pope Leo XIV.

“The choice of a name has always been an intrigue. It’s been a game to play. What’s he going to be called? What’s he going to choose? The da da da da. And he chose Leo,” says 

Father Aidan Peter Rossiter, St. Louis de Montfort Church’s pastor in Orcutt.

Local church leaders do admit to being a little surprised, as an American pope didn’t seem to really be on anyone’s radar.

“I hadn’t even heard his name before. And his story is pretty remarkable that he actually spent most of his life in Peru. Even though he was from Chicago and lived there for most of his early life,” says McKown.

The St. Louis de Montfort pastor says he has good feelings about this pope’s track record and forward vision.

“It is in that sense, very early days to say what this man will be like. But from his history, we know that he is primarily a holy man and a good man, an intelligent man and a man for all people, especially those who seem to be poor, marginalized and distant,” says Pastor Rossiter.

Pastor Rossiter says the new pope’s choice of name is an indication of the past popes who have inspired him, and that the previous 13 Leo’s emphasized peace and unity.

Locals hope the name Pope Leo XIV will be synonymous with the very compassion and peace-seeking understanding the name invokes.

Click here to follow the original article.

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Yellow and white flags are up on the towers at the Old Mission Santa Barbara after the announcement of Leo XIV as the new Pope.

The word spread throughout the Catholic community and the world just after 9 a.m.

The Santa Barbara Old Mission, one of the iconic locations for Catholics, non- Catholics, tourists in general, and community gatherings is marking the historic time.

“Peace be with all of you!” – were the first words of Pope Leo XIV followed by reactions worldwide.

The Conclave has elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome. He is the first American elected, originally from Chicago.

Many visitors who were aware of the announcement reflected on the choice. The message of accepting everyone and following in the footsteps of Pope Francis with a forward looking approach to the world’s challenges was mentioned by many people discussing Pope Leo.

Susan Hughes from Santa Barbara said, “we all hope that we will have the legacy of Frances to build upon that, but also getting a new future for the Catholic Church. I think a new direction, perhaps. “

A mission visitor Virginia Carlos said, “his heart his humbleness. I would love to see that continue and grow its acceptance of everyone. No matter who you are, no matter who you call God, no matter where you worship. It’s just humanity for one, especially the least of us. “

An all inclusive style of leadership looks to be a binding message Catholics and non Catholics we spoke with seem to favor.

Hughes said “he  is 69 years old. We are entering a new and new future. ” With a past in Chicago and Philadelphia, “It’s exciting he’s from America. I think that’s interesting,” said Sherry Jerome.

“His background. He was at Villanova he has been he has so much in my experience that he brings to us,” said Hughes.

The Old Mission draws visitors from around the world, and that brings a broad perspective to the entrance steps  from many people  facing some difficult challenges.

Jerome said, “I think, the right person for the right time. I just, you know, just to keep the Catholic Church going along in a good way.”

(More video, photos and details from the Old Mission will be added here later today)

Click here to follow the original article.

Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) has reversed course on previously announced arts staffing reductions, rescinding layoff notices for junior high band and Santa Barbara High School theater positions.

Superintendent Hilda Maldonado sent out the announcement on Friday, May 2.1

Although two visual arts teachers, one each at San Marcos and Santa Barbara High, will not be replaced due to staff transfers, district leaders emphasize that no arts or music educators are being laid off for the 2025–26 school year. San Marcos High School is also set to add a new dance teacher, funded by Proposition 28, which earmarks dedicated funding for arts education statewide.

In total, the district will see a net loss of just one arts teacher next school year. “We are celebrating the wins – no arts layoffs,” said Naomi Jane Voigt, Santa Barbara Teen Star and SBUSD student. “But we must continue to push for restored high school course offerings and a full, well-rounded education for every student.”

Superintendent Maldonado added that while the staffing picture has improved, the process is not yet finalized. “We are still finishing the process, and the final vote will take place next week at the May 13 board meeting,” Maldonado said.

In an update shared with the school community, SBUSD reported that it had avoided large-scale layoffs while still addressing a $9.4 million budget deficit. After weeks of reviewing enrollment, staffing, and unfilled positions, the district identified a need to lay off only 3–5 employees.

Arts and music positions are not among the final cuts, and there are no layoffs at the elementary school level. Maldonado said staffing restorations—including 3.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in elementary arts, music, STEAM, and instructional support for English and math—were made possible through retirements, resignations, employee transfers, and the reallocation of unfilled positions. A slight increase in junior high and high school enrollment also helped reduce the total number of layoffs.

“While we would prefer that no employees are ever laid off, we are thankful for our collaboration with CSEA and SBTA in navigating this challenging period,” Maldonado said.

Employees affected will receive compensation packages, additional resources, and priority consideration for future openings.

Despite the positive staffing news, concerns remain over reduced class schedules at the high school level. Next year, most 10th-grade students will only be able to take seven classes, while 11th and 12th graders will be limited to six. Advocates say this creates “dismissal periods” that limit access to electives such as the arts, world languages, and career technical education.

The district originally issued 85 Reduction in Force (RIF) notices, though all but one have now been rescinded. Still, stakeholders argue that the annual uncertainty takes a toll. “This yearly cycle creates instability and stress for teachers and students,” said Voigt. “We need better planning and earlier decision-making.”

Looking ahead, parents and students are calling on the district to:

Restore an eight-period schedule or similar options to expand elective capacity.

Ensure Proposition 28 funds—nearly $2 million annually—are used to hire new arts teachers, not to replace existing ones or purchase materials.

Provide regular public updates on staffing, course offerings, and Prop 28 expenditures in accordance with the SBUSD Strategic Arts Plan 2023–28.

The plan commits the district to expanding arts access at every school, and advocates say transparency and accountability will be key to achieving that goal.

“Eighty percent of Prop 28 funding must go to hiring new arts teachers,” said Voigt. “We need to make sure this money truly expands access to the arts for all students.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Alissa Orozco

MALIBU, Calif – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected to succeed Pope Francis as the next leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, and will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Father Larry Gosselin from the Serra Retreat in Malibu joined your News Channel to discuss this monumental day. Pope Leo has been recognized as a great leader in the Catholic faith who is expected to continue Pope Francis’ path.

“This selection of the Pope as truly a leader in our world and a person who brings great leadership and foresight to where we are going, and who we are as as a world and as a world community,” Father Larry told your News Channel.

Originally from Chicago, Pope Leo was named a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and was selected to lead the Vatican’s bishop office. Father Larry says Pope Leo’s background of being an Augustinian will shape his priorities.

“The Augustinians follow a common path as the Franciscans and truly it’s a more human felt spirituality, you know, earth-based. Spirituality, but it’s completely in keeping with Catholic theology and it will bring a very human aspect, I believe, to his papacy and to his leadership in the church and in the world.”

Pope Leo XIV is the first ever American elected for the papacy, and was an unexpected choice. How the Catholic Church will run under an American Pope? We’ll just have to wait and see.

“We will just have to wait and see what that all means, but it certainly is an honor for our country and the American Church to have an American chosen for this position, and it truly affirms us as American Catholic people following the gospel and seeking to live the gospel of Christ.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Alissa Orozco

ISLA VISTA, Calif. – Yet another bear has been spotted Thursday morning in the Goleta/Isla Vista area. Your News Channel received reports of a small bear around walking paths of Isla Vista Elementary, and later near the Devereux Slough.

Employees of Isla Vista Elementary School were notified of a bear walking around behind the school, and were encouraged to take alternative walking paths.

“An email was sent by a neighbor that they got a message from the IV school saying that a bear had been sighted by the red barn and you probably don’t want to walk your kids to school through the path that cuts from our housing complex to the school,” said Isla Vista resident Janet Head.

It was seen a little while later about a mile away at the Devereux Slough.

This comes weeks after a series of bear sightings beginning in Goleta were reported. The county was on “bear watch” as the bear seemed to be traveling south through residential Goleta neighborhoods, Santa Barbara beaches, and UC Santa Barbara apartments and campus.

The body of a bear was found on Highway 101 southbound of Padaro Lane in Summerland in April. It was unknown if the body found was the same bear spotted throughout the county.

Your Newschannel was also sent video on April 29th of a bear near Highway 154.

A video shows the bear walking around nearby horse stables in a popular jogging area of UC Santa Barbara’s West Campus on Thursday.

In a statement released to parents, Isla Vista Elementary says animal control and police were notified, and will implement precautionary measures during today’s dismissal.

We’re also told police stood by the school to monitor the area as school got out on Thursday.

Anyone who sees the bear is urged to call law enforcement and report it to the Department of Fish and Wildlife under their online Wildlife Incident Reporting System.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dave Alley

LOMPOC, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is holding a series of live fire drills this week during the final few days of a training program for a group of firefighter recruits.

On Thursday, recruits are completing a two-day training session at the Public Safety Training Complex on the Allan Hancock College Lompoc Valley Center.

The drills in Lompoc follows a one-day training session on Monday at the nearby Burton Mesa Training Center.

All of the training is part of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Firefighter Recruit Academy, a rigorous 20-week course that teaches recruits required firefighting and life-saving skills.

The Firefighter Recruit Academy currently has 17 recruits, which are firefighters who have been hired by department, but must complete a required training program in order to officially begin work with the department.

Graduation for the recruits will take place later this month.

Following graduation ceremonies, the recruits will begin their new positions on probation status at various stations within the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Click here to follow the original article.

KION546

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) — Salinas Police say Natividad Road is back open after a crash on Wednesday that left thousands without power.

As of Thursday morning, PG&E is reporting around 500 people are still without power along the edge of Natividad Road.

The road closure initially stretched from Saratoga to Boronda Road.

PG&E says power is expected to be restored around 9 am.

Highway 101 back open, thousands still without power in Monterey County

Power has been restored for thousands as of Wednesday night, but there are still just over 2,700 homes without power late on Wednesday, power restoration currently set for just past midnight.

Neighbors say that Natividad road is a dangerous one, with this far from the first time powerlines have been brought down by a bad driver. One local living in the home underneath the fallen pole says that before she bought the home, a powerline had fallen into the home’s backyard. Many now wondering what it will take for the city to take action to improve traffic safety on Natividad Road.

Highway 101 has reopened in both directions at North Main Street in Salinas.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Numerous power outages throughout Monterey County have left thousands without power after a car impacted transmission lines near Highway 101.

According to PG&E, a car driving near North Main Street and Highway 101 hit transmission lines, causing a small fire nearby. That fire has since been put out.

PG&E is on scene assessing the damage wth Highway 101 shut down in both directions.

Transmission lines are larger lines that connect and power other communities, such as Carmel Valley. Power lines only affect portions of cities and towns near those power poles.

According to PG&E’s outage map, more than 17,000 people are without power in Monterey as of 3:10 p.m.

Parts along the coast from Andrew Molera State Park down to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are without power, along with Carmel Valley and near Fort Ord National Monument.

There is no estimated time of restoration.

Another part of Salinas is also without power near Creekbridge and Natividad Road. The estimated restoration time of that area is expected to be 5:45 p.m.

Click here to follow the original article.

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Benicio Duarte had 11 kills and Luke Zuffelato added 10 kills as Santa Barbara swept Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks 3-0 in a CIF-SS Division 4 quarterfinal match.

The visiting Knights led 14-8 in the first set but the Dons ran off 9 straight points with Jack Goligoski at the service line.

Santa Barbara won the first set 25-19 and cruised from there winning the second set 25-13 and closing it out in three 25-21.

The Dons play at Santiago of Corona on Saturday in the semifinals.

Click here to follow the original article.

Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. – A balanced attack, strong goalie play and playoff experience helped Dos Pueblos hang on to beat Huntington Beach 11-8 in a CIF-Southern Section Division 2 home quarterfinal game.

DP will host Oaks Christian in a semifinal on Saturday in a time yet to be announced.

The Chargers led 10-5 early in the fourth quarter on a goal by Orion Prewarski.

But the visiting Oilers scored three quick goals to pull within 10-8 with more than seven minutes left in the game.

But Chargers goalie Danny Perez made a couple of his 11 saves in the game to keep it a two-goal lead.

DP added a big goal with under 2:30 left as Parker Bentley raced by his defender and scored from point-blank range for the final score of the game.

Jack Finneran scored all of his team-leading 3 goals in the first half as the Chargers built up a 6-2 lead at the break.

Dan Finneran, Gus Miller, Bentley and Prewarski all added two goals for a Chargers team that improved to 20-0 on the season.

The Chargers lost in last year’s semifinal and this year’s group led by 17 seniors are determine to finish the job in 2025.

Click here to follow the original article.