Author: KEYT

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Electric lawn mowers and more generated a buzz in Santa Maria on Wednesday.

The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) of Santa Barbara County held a clean machine demonstration at Allan Hancock College.

This is part of a state effort to urge folks in the agriculture industry to go electric.

“They can come today try out the equipment and see which equipment that they like talk to different vendors,” says Lyz Bantilan, Santa Barbara County APCD. “Then they can talk to the agencies that are here about funding opportunities.”

The APCD is encouraging folks to switch-over from gas and diesel powered industrial equipment to electric.

The state of California aims to be running on 100% clean electricity by 2045, with 60% achieved by 2030.

But  the agricultural industry faces unique challenges, chiefly up-front cost.

“Ag is starting to get some pressure on using newer emission technology to further air quality,” says Jim Biltz, representative of Warrior Machinery based in Rialto.

The APCD is offering grants from $10,000 to $250,000 for “eligible clean air projects across Santa Barbara county.”

“With the funding opportunities that we have available today, people can make that switch to cleaner equipment with having other agencies help them pay for it,” says Bantilan.

The professional consumers in attendance have standards for what they’re looking for in their equipment that are evolving as much as the technology is itself.

“You’re buying an electric alternative that produces no emissions for less money than you can buy a diesel alternative,” says Biltz.

This year’s event had higher attendance than last year, indicating more interest in switching to electric machinery.

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Alissa Orozco

PASO ROBLES, Calif. – A Paso Robles man was arrested Tuesday evening following a domestic dispute after barricading himself inside a residence and refusing to comply with authorities for several hours.

Tuesday evening around 5:41pm, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic violence incident taking place in the 800 block of Golden Meadow Drive.

There, authorities located an adult female who had exited the residence, and identified another person still inside as 41-year-old Enrique Rubio. Deputies confirmed no other individuals were inside the residence with Rubio.

Rubio reportedly did not comply with repeated commands to exit the residence, causing the Sheriff’s office to call in its Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Team, Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), and Special Enforcement Detail (SED) to the scene and create a perimeter around the residence.

After several hours of noncompliance and repeated encouragement from CNT to surrender peacefully, Rubio finally exited the residence around 10:16pm and was taken into custody.

The adult female was transported to a local hospital for her injuries.

Rubio was arrested on charges of false imprisonment (PC 236), corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant (PC 273.5(a)), and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury (PC 245(a)(4)).

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed this was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

They encourage those in San Luis Obispo County who may be experiencing domestic violence to contact Lumina Alliance, a local non-profit, through their 24/7, confidential crisis and information line at (805) 545-8888 or online at www.luminaalliance.org.

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John Palminteri

GOLETA, Calif. – There is a now a new temporary home for the Goleta Library.

It is located at 6500 Hollister Ave., just across from Goleta City Hall.   

The main Library on Fairview Ave. was closed on April 1st to begin improvements, and will remained closed for the next 18-24 months for remodel.

This temporary library is smaller and has quickly been called “tiny but mighty!” It’s also referred to as the Goleta Library Express.

The staff welcomes the public for quick visits, as they can room can only hold 35 people at a time.

20,000 books are part of this move and more can be brought in as requested by library patrons.

Goleta Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo said, “we look at the most popular authors. New York Times bestseller lists, book club lists. So we try to really match what we have with what our patrons are looking for. “

Shelves from the main library were used where they could be set up efficiently. “And we definitely prioritize bringing as many physical materials as we could. And so looking at how many books we fit on a shelf and then looking at our collection and then pulling what titles to pack from there,” said Saucedo.

Getting a book order filled Mark Preston said, “I like books. This is the closest place to get to them, the easiest way to get to it. So for me where I live this is easier.” He enjoys the service to have a book put on hold.

There is also a special area for kids to pick up books, or if they are part of a summer reading program, they can get their prizes. “It’s a reading incentive program where you can earn prizes at different milestones of how many books or how many minutes you read. It just really helps to prevent summer slide and the learning loss in between school years,” said Salcedo.

Specially marked parking spaces are in the parking lot nearby for those coming to the library.

There will also be outreach programs for reading and library related activities in area parks. The library van is on the move regularly with books and services that are provided in neighborhoods and it has a regular spot in Isla Vista. The IV community does not have its own library.

It will be open six days a week:

Tuesday through Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Friday and Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm

Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Closed Monday

(More details, photos and video will be added here later today.)

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A well traveled street in Santa Barbara between downtown and the San Roque area is going to have some detours soon.

It is all part of a new project to replace an aging bridge.

Starting this Thursday, the traffic pattern will be limited to one-way for vehicles coming southbound around Vernon Road.

For northbound drivers, they will have to turn on Alamar if they are planning to go to State Street or upper De la Vina Street in somewhat of a triangular drive.

At least two businesses in the area were torn down to create the space to widen the bridge crossing.

This is going to be in effect until the bridge project is completed in June of 2027.

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Mina Wahab

VENTURA, Calif. — On June 26th, the Ventura City Council passed the CARE policy 6-to-1 to protect undocumented immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and those seeking reproductive healthcare.

Councilman Jim Duran was the lone “no” vote on The Care Policy.

“Bundling all these unrelated and controversial issues of immigration, gender identity and abortion, it divides our community rather than unites it. These are deeply personal issues,” said Duran.

“These are things that you deal with at the state and federal level. If you want to change policy, if you want to change a law, that’s where you do it. You don’t do it at the city level,” said Duran. With the Trump administration threatening to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities and states, Duran says this vote puts a target on Ventura, even though it is mostly symbolic. “Every protection that was listed in that resolution already exists under California law. And so restating them at the city level adds nothing legally enforceable. It’s only symbolic,” said Duran.  Duran says they could lose loans and grants amounting to over $100 million dollars. “We need to fix roads. We need to fix sidewalks. We need to deal with the homeless situation here, economic vitality,” said Duran. A Ventura woman who moved to the U.S. from Australia says losing funding is only going to hurt the people who live here. “We don’t have oodles of extra money to just splash around on things. So. Refocusing city Council on the business side as well as the human side is equally as important in my view,” said Kelly Wilmer. When the policy passed back in June, most attendees appeared to be in favor of the policy. As for the potential loss of funding, the courts may back states like California. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction in June that blocked the trump administration from withholding transportation funds over immigration policy.

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Alissa Orozco

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – The city of San Luis Obispo has updated their map of Fire Hazard Severity Zones that now shows more parts of San Luis Obispo that fall within moderate, high and very high Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

The map shows colored zones out and within the city limits, including some residential neighborhoods to the east and west. The city says the map helps property owners determine if they need to take extra steps to reduce wildfire risks.

“Understanding a property’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone can help property owners take the necessary steps to reduce wildfire risks, such as adding and maintaining defensible space around buildings. Certain zone designations will require property owners to take extra steps to mitigate wildfire risks.”

In June, city council adopted the zones put in place by CAL FIRE based on the latest wildfire science. 

The map separates the various zones by color: Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (YELLOW), High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (ORANGE), and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (RED).

There are no immediate requirements for those living in the Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone at this time.

However, those living in the High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in new construction homes or major remodels must comply with ignition-resistant building standards. They must also provide natural hazard disclosure at the time of sale.

Property owners in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone are required to perform the most extra steps, including: maintain all vegetation around all buildings and structures within 30 feet and out to 100 feet if applicable, obtain and provide home hardening certification for new/rebuilt homes if requested, and more.

To view the map of Fire Hazard Severity Zones and property owner requirements, visit the city’s website.

The city expects the State of California to release the 2026 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and the 2026 California Fire and Building codes this summer. Once received, city council will then hold a public study session, likely in October 2025.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from El Camino Homeless Organization regarding their partnership with CoastHills Credit Union to host a Community Towel Drive

PASO ROBLES, Calif. — El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) is proud to partner with CoastHills Credit Union to launch a month-long Towel Drive in support of local individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Throughout July, community members are invited to donate new bath towels to help meet a critical and often overlooked need.

Each day, ECHO provides essential services—including shelter, meals, and hygiene access—to over 130 individuals and families across their 90-Day Residential Shelter Program and free public shower program. Towels are a small item with a big impact, offering comfort, dignity, and a sense of care to those ECHO serves.

Donations can be dropped off at the Atascadero CoastHills Credit Union branch, where a dedicated towel collection bin is available all month. Towels will also be collected during July’s Atascadero Chamber Mixer, hosted at the CoastHills branch.

In addition, towel donations can be dropped off at either of ECHO’s campus locations in Atascadero or Paso Robles.

“At CoastHills, our vision is to make a difference in our neighbors’ lives,” said James Ledford, Interim Chief Executive Officer at CoastHills Credit Union. “Partnering with ECHO Atascadero to support their shower program is one way we can bring comfort and care to those in need. A clean towel might seem small—but it can have a big impact.”

Join the movement to support local families and individuals working toward stability. Donate a towel. Make an impact.

For more information on CoastHills Credit Union, visit https://coasthills.coop.

To learn more about ECHO and how to support its mission, visit www.echoshelter.org.

About El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO):

ECHO’s mission since 2001 is to empower people in SLO County to make positive change by providing food, shelter, and supportive services. ECHO operates two facilities in Atascadero and Paso Robles with a total bed capacity of 130, including a 60-bed shelter in Atascadero and 70-bed shelter in Paso Robles, and a daily community dinner program, and shower program for individuals and families throughout San Luis Obispo County. For more information, please visit our website at www.echoshelter.org.

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Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. – There’s new leadership at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Space Launch Delta 30 has a new commanding officer as of this morning.

A ceremony bid a formal farewell to Colonel Mark Shoemaker, as he passed the flag to Colonel James T. Horne III.

Space Launch Delta 30 hosted their change of command ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base’s outdoor parade grounds Tuesday morning.

“I told you from this very stage two years ago that I would take this responsibility with great pride and with great humility,” said Col. Mark A. Shoemaker, who is retiring from Space Launch Delta 30’s command position. “I worked hard to hold true to that from day one until today.”

Colonel Shoemaker is retiring after 28 years of service.

After delivering a speech, he passed the flag to Colonel Horne, who is no stranger to Vandenberg.

“We’re just super excited to be back on the Central Coast,” says Col. James T. Horne III, Space Launch Delta 30’s new commander. “It’s it definitely holds a special place in my and my family’s heart.”

Promoted to Colonel in June of 2021, Horne spent the last two years as Senior Material Leader at Space Systems Command, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.

“This is our third stay at Vandenberg,” says Col. Horne. “First, I was in training for nuclear missiles, and then second time here I was the squadron commander for the 30th Range Management Squadron from 2015 to 2017. And now back.”

Colonel Horne’s service record speaks for itself,

and his colleagues welcome him warmly and confidently into his new leadership position.

“My family and I are just super excited to be back and to work with everyone, to continue the mission of this great base in this community,” says Col. Horne.

Col. Horne looks forward to the various community partnerships ahead, as he will oversee Vandenberg’s plans to greatly increase the number of launches at the base.

We’ll certainly be hearing more from Col. Horne in the months ahead as he steps into his new role as commander of Space Launch Delta 30.

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John Palminteri

MONTECITO, Calif. – The message came out month ago, about new construction updates in the Montecito segment of the Highway 101 widening project. It wasn’t going to be easy to work on the lanes, ramps, bridges and landscaping without some stress on commuters, maybe more than the other sections from Carpinteria north.

That work resulted in a split in the northbound lanes that just came back together. The southbound lanes will get the feel of it in the next week.

Crews will be moving the K-rail and split the lanes as part of the work design. Overall, no matter what is being done, the plan is to keep two lanes open in both directions.

“Oh my goodness. I guess I am going to avoid it for awhile,” Trish Mahan said as she came out of a local store.

There will also be changes to the way southbound drivers go from Coast Village Road to Highway 101 toward Carpinteria. The next available on-ramp will be at Sheffield Dr. once this work gets underway.

It’s still to be seen what the real day-to-day impacts will be. Peak periods are often afternoons and early evening hours when thousands of workers, who have driven up from their homes in Ventura County, are trying to go home by squeezing into the two lanes of traffic.  

They will find relief however, once they get to Summerland when the three lane section is now available.

In the meantime, “I grab the wheel a little tighter. Yeah.  I concentrate.  You need to concentrate when you go through there. Definitely do. Can’t  have your mind on something else,  ” said Tony Handler a resident about 30 years.

A worker in the area says drivers are anxious and it’s a problem. Brandon Aubert said, “people in this area really seem to be impatient they have no care about other people really. “

One resident where a detour will take place on North Jameson Lane says the drivers often speed in the area by her house. Susan Herting said, “cars come so fast on the frontage road there and the bikes. Our kids and grand kids (are out) I wish they (drivers) would slow down there.”

In the big picture, recently more funding came in for the Santa Barbara portion of the project.

The freeway widening project has been in motion for years, but the cost and the funding sources were always limiting what could be done and when. Now, the funding for the final segment has been approved. It was the largest award in the State of California on this particular grant from the California Transportation Commission. It is the last little piece of the puzzle. The allocation for the freeway work is $137 million in voter approved state money. 

The project is being guided by many agencies including the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments. 

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County (CRR) has announced it will merge with the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum (SMVDM).

The move will combine the two longtime nonprofit organizations that have operated in Santa Barbara County for several decades.

Under the deal, CRR will now head up operations of the museum, which has been open to the public for three decades.

“Children’s Resource and Referral will be overseeing all operations of the Discovery Museum and our team will be in and out,” said Jacqui Banta, Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County Chief Operating Officer.  “We will be not only continuing the wonderful programs that the museum has always had in our community, which is also celebrating their 30th year here in Santa Maria Valley, but we will also be adding parent education, stay in place and child development initiatives.” 

With dozens of people on hand, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held Tuesday at the newly renamed Children’s Resource & Referral’s Discovery Museum in Santa Maria.

According to CRR the merger with SMVDM will bolster educational opportunities and experiences for children and their families by aligning missions, operations and outreach, as well as:

• Strengthen the Educational Continuum – Merging playful discovery with school readiness and child development support

• Broaden Community Reach – Deepening engagement with underserved populations across Santa Barbara County

• Boost Operational Efficiency – Leveraging shared resources and facilities

• Foster Innovative Programming – Launching new offerings like STEM Nights, “Stay & Play” family hours, mobile discovery units, and multilingual access initiatives

“This is more than a merger; it’s a movement toward a stronger, more connected future for our community’s children,” said Michelle Graham, CRR CEO. “Together, we are expanding access to early education, enriching learning experiences, and supporting families where they are—both in life and in learning.”

CRR describes its organizational mission is to develop strong and healthy families by providing education, care, and resource systems to children, their parents, and caregivers, with a special emphasis on low income and under-represented children and families.

For more information about Children’s Resource & Referral’s Discovery Museum, click here to visit the official website.

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