Author: KEYT

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Hundreds of people of all ages gathered at the Milpas roundabout in Santa Barbara on Friday, chanting, “Sí, se puede! Sí, se puede! Sí, se puede!”

Protests were held across the Central Coast in response to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement sightings and in opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration deportation policies.

Many participants held signs and flags, while others distributed informational cards and shared resources with passersby.

“Continue to protest, continue to spread the word, and give as much information as possible to those out there who can’t speak English,” said organizer Victor Rios. “And since resources that are available in Spanish are being removed, we’ve got to step up and provide them.”

The protest continued late into Friday night, causing traffic congestion at the roundabout, according to an alert from the Santa Barbara Police Department. By 10:15 p.m., police said the protest had ended and the roundabout had reopened.

805 Undocufund, a nonprofit assisting immigrants, has reported ICE activity in multiple local cities in recent days, including Oxnard, Santa Paula, Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Lompoc.

“It’s heartbreaking to see these realities unfold, which is why we wanted to be proactive and help find a solution,” said organizer Briana Rios.

One protester, who asked to remain anonymous, shared why he felt it was important to attend.

“We’re here to support our people. I mean, most of our families came from immigrants. It’s good to be part of something we stand up for.”

More than 3,500 undocumented immigrants have been arrested or detained across the United States since Trump returned to the White House. The administration says it is prioritizing criminals for deportation.

A recent Reuters poll found that 48% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of immigration, while 41% disapprove.

News Channel 3-12

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – The County of SLO Homeless Services Division launched its first-ever quarterly homelessness database dashboard to help the community.

Below is a press release on the announcement:

The County of San Luis Obispo Homeless Services Division has launched its first-ever Quarterly Homelessness Database Dashboard, providing the community with a detailed look at local homelessness trends, services, and outcomes. The dashboard offers critical insights into the County’s homelessness response system, reflecting data collected through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). 

This new resource aims to foster a deeper understanding of the dynamics surrounding homelessness in San Luis Obispo County. Unlike the annual Point-in-Time Count, which provides a snapshot of local homelessness on a single night, the dashboard shares the number of people served, including program outcomes, over a three-month period. 

“The dashboard is a major step toward making data accessible and actionable,” said Dawn OrtizLegg, Board Chair for the San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors. “This tool will empower community members, providers, and decision-makers to better understand the challenges and progress in addressing homelessness across the County.” 

Key features of the dashboard include demographics about the populations and people participating in homeless services in San Luis Obispo County, the inflows and outflows within the system of care, and the outcomes of different program types offered by local providers. All information included in the dashboard is aggregated to safeguard the privacy of those being served in San Luis Obispo County and shared with their full consent. 

“The data in this dashboard isn’t just numbers—it represents individuals finding pathways to stable housing,” shared Mark Lamore, the former Data & Performance Chair for the San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Oversight Council. “By visualizing the outcomes of local programs, we can clearly see the dedication of service providers working to connect people with the resources they need. This tool enables us to measure our impact, refine strategies, and ensure resources are directed where they’re needed most.”

Developed with input from the Homeless Services Oversight Council, the County’s Department of Information Technology, and technical assistance from the Institute of Community Alliances, the release of this dashboard marks a key milestone in the San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness. The Department of Social Services also collected feedback from people with lived experience of homelessness and current participants in shelter programs to ensure the dashboard accurately and compassionately represented their perspectives. 

“Our team is very proud of the work we’ve done collaboratively to present this dashboard,” added Kate Bourne, Business Systems Analyst with the County of San Luis Obispo’s Homeless Services Division. “Over the last several months, the team carefully reviewed data from the entire system to develop a set of visualizations that will provide meaningful insights. It is the launch of our ongoing trend analysis to improve local access to housing and services.” 

Stakeholders and members of the public can view the dashboard and learn more at slocounty.gov/HomelessnessData. For individuals in need of housing, shelter, or related resources, help is available. Visit slocounty.gov/HSGetHelp to find support and services in San Luis Obispo County.

County of SLO

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Several agencies, including the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, helped with a car crash on Gibraltar Road near Flores Flats at 3:17 p.m. Saturday.

Firefighters were lowered down the hill using ropes to help two patients from the crash, one of which got out of the car, which was on its roof in the creek, themselves, according to the SBCFD.

The first patient, an adult male, was helped to Cottage Hospital after being taken by helicopter back onto the road, explained the SBCFD.

The second patient was helped from the car with moderate injuries and taken via helicopter with firefighters and paramedics, according to the SBCFD.

A car went 100 feet over the side and the northbound side of Gibraltar Road was requested for shutdown just before 4:00 p.m. with a helicopter being en route to the accident, detailed the SBCFD.

More information on the cause of this crash will be provided as it becomes available to Your News Channel.

Tracy Lehr

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. – A sign along the road in Mammoth Lakes reads, “Lifting L.A. Up With Love.”

The town in the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for attracting skiers from around the world, has become a refuge for those impacted by wind, smoke, and fires.

“I have seen a lot of people coming in, a lot of customers evacuating from the fires,” said rental technician Lara Bernardi. “They are pretty sad about the situation but grateful to be here.”

Evacuees are hitting the slopes for fresh air and a break from the trauma.

Some have lost friends, homes, schools, businesses, and large portions of their neighborhoods.

Patty Phillips recalled how L.A. Fire Captain Malcolm Dicks saved her and her dog, Koda, when her car got caught on a cliff. She was stuck on a boulder while trying to escape from the flames approaching her Malibu home, which, against all odds, is still standing.

“I was laying on my horn, knowing that nobody could see me, and he heard it,” said Phillips. “That’s how they found me. Every time I tried to open my door, embers were coming in, and the fire was below my car. The fact that I escaped alive and my dog survived is all thanks to Malcolm Dicks—he risked his life to save mine.”

A Ventura County couple headed to Mammoth during one of many Public Safety Power Shutoffs.

“Basically, we came to get away from the stress we have during the fires in Ventura and Pacific Palisades,” said Barbara Zarakowski.

Her husband, Zbigniew Zarakowski, added that Southern California Edison had been shutting off the power.

The couple came up to enjoy the view and people-watch.

They didn’t bring gear, but visitors can always rent.

Evacuees and their friends appreciate everything Mammoth has to offer, from fast lifts to fresh snow, with more in the forecast.

Each day on the slopes is usually followed by après-ski—after-skiing fun.

People from up and down the coast are sharing stories and making memories at a mountain resort that feels like a home away from home whenever needed.

For more information on Mammoth getaways, visit Mammoth Mountain.

Caleb Nguyen

GOLETA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Fire Department rescued a mother and her two children who were caught by high tide at Gaviota Beach Sunday at 11:50 a.m..

Firefighters rescued the family via a trail and got them to safety as they were in between the ocean and cliff rocks.

More information on this rescue will be provided as it becomes available to Your News Channel.