Author: KEYT

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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Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Luxury grocery store Erewhon could soon set up more shop on the Central Coast.

Erewhon’s Instagram page posted a series of maps in various major cities, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara.

The brand’s Chief Growth Officer, Kabir Jain said its store could expand locations past its LA and Ventura County base.

Though popular among celebrities, exorbitant prices at its stores, including $26 hyperoxygenated water and $154 premium steak, alienate many.

Santa Barbara citizens voiced their opinions on the potential change to the city’s official subreddit:

“Erewhon makes Bristol Farms look like the 99 cent store. I’m not sure if it will pass the vibe check here but we’ll see.”

Reddit user, locallylit805

“SB becoming like the richest, shallowest, most expensive parts of LA is what will make me leave this city. I don’t want a $25 strawberry or $50 cashew milk. And I don’t really like the idea of my neighbors being the type of people that do either. Ew.”

Reddit user, cheeky_pterodactyl

“Jeez, 98% of people replying with their opinion didn’t even read the post. Its pretty clear there is NO physical brick and mortar opening up in town. They will just be available to ship to people in SB apparently.”

Reddit user, ZapatosDeMarca

Your News Channel reached out to Erewhon’s press team and are awaiting comment on the potential arrival to Santa Barbara.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) — Work started Tuesday on a ramp to the Old Mission Santa Barbara.

The long-awaited ramp is being built on the right side of the Mission steps. For the first time, people who can’t take the steps will be able to enter through the front doors without going the long way around.

“It will be the first time everyone—no matter their mobility—can enter through the front doors of the church,” said Father Dan Lackie of Old Mission Santa Barbara.

The $1.1 million project is being paid for through donations, with about $760,000 raised so far. St. Barbara Parish has pledged $150,000 from its reserve fund as a matching grant. Architect Fred Sweeney is also donating his work.

“This Mission design hasn’t been altered in 150 years. Even in 1952, the front was rebuilt only as a replica of what had been here before. This is very historic,” Sweeney said.

To preserve the Mission’s look, the ramp will be built with stone that matches the church’s façade. The material is being sourced from Tepusquet Canyon in the Santa Maria Valley, where the original stone was cut centuries ago.

Some of the existing steps have already been removed. Construction is expected to be complete in March of 2026, weather permitting.

“This is a vital improvement for parishioners and visitors. It allows everyone to share in the life of the Mission,” said Maria Cabrera, a Mission docent and former Fiesta Presidente.

For more information visit https://santabarbaramission.org

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Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against Christopher Van Vlack, a 32-year-old Santa Barbara man who killed his mother.

Van Vlack, who killed 72-year-old Lynn Areno, is charged with first-degree murder, according to the SBCDAO’s Office.

Van Vlack also faces special allegations of Premeditation and Deliberation, Murder Committed for Financial Gain, and by murder committed by means of Lying in Wait, according to the SBCDAO.

Van Vlack remains in custody at the Santa Barbara County Jail and is being held without bail, according to the SBCDAO.

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Ryder Christ

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Carpinteria leaders are warning that the city’s budget is under increasing pressure, with law enforcement costs consuming a large share of local resources.

At Monday night’s State of the City address, City Manager Michael Ramirez said the city’s contract with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office costs $6.5 million and now makes up 40 percent of the general fund. He added the contract is rising faster than revenues, increasing 7 percent last year and another 5 percent this year.

“By fiscal year 2028, if we do nothing, we’re going to have to start making some serious reductions in service or staff,” Ramirez said.

To ease the strain, the city is exploring cost-saving measures. Recent changes include bringing some services in-house, such as street sweeping, which will save an estimated $200,000 a year. Ramirez also said officials may eventually ask voters to approve new assessment districts or taxes if finances do not improve.

The presentation also touched on future development. The proposed Surfliner Inn project, a hotel on city-owned land near the railroad tracks, is under environmental review. A draft Environmental Impact Report is expected this winter, with public hearings likely in spring or summer 2026.

Despite looming challenges, Ramirez stressed the city’s commitment to preserving Carpinteria’s unique identity.

“First and foremost, the council’s goal is to accommodate growth while maintaining our small beach town character,” he said.

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Tracy Lehr

MONTECITO, Calif. (KEYT) – Lawyers representing two brothers who accused a former Montecito Union School principal of sexually abusing them in the 1970s expected jury selection to begin this week. Instead, the school announced a multi-million dollar settlement over the weekend.

The Montecito Union School District Board of Trustees issued a statement confirming the $7.5 million settlement, noting it does not include an admission of guilt.

The board said it approved the agreement to protect its instructional program and to keep the focus on students.

The accused principal, the late Stanford Kerr, served as Superintendent-Principal of Montecito Union School for 25 years and also worked at other schools across Santa Barbara County. The brothers said Kerr abused them at different times during their 4th, 5th, and 6th grade years at MUS.

Attorneys Timothy C. Hale of Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet, along with John B. Richards and Mishelle Sotelo of the Law Office of John B. Richards, said Assembly Bill 218 opened a three-year revival window for victims to come forward and file claims.

“The courage these men showed coming forward — after being told at a very young age that they were bad kids, one even told he was the worst student in the school — stayed with them for the rest of their lives,” said Hale. “It devastated their relationships with each other and their families. Then, to face litigation where school district attorneys suggested they were making it up, it really re-victimized them. The fact that they hung in there and achieved this settlement deserves a ton of credit.”

Hale said the younger brother suffered abuse for a longer period of time. The settlement awarded $1.5 million to the older brother and $6 million to the younger brother.

“We’re hoping this changes their lives,” Hale said. “Their lives have been chaotic since the abuse took place. We hope it restores some sense of justice and brings peace.”

Sotelo added: “I think it is great for the clients because we were really focused on empowering them through healing during this entire experience.” She noted that evidence in cases like this is often scarce.

“Sexual abuse is a crime that happens in isolation. There is rarely a paper trail that proves it occurred. That’s why this settlement is so important for the clients,” said Sotelo.

Attorney John Richards called the outcome a form of “social accountability.”

“Our clients have lived with this for 47 years,” Richards said. “If it weren’t for AB 218 — which critics opposed for opening a three-year look-back window — these men would never have come forward. Back in the 1970s, there was no training about what was inappropriate. Nothing prevented a principal from closing or locking a door. This case is a story about why AB 218 was so important.”

The AB 218 window closed in 2022, but claims can still be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Montecito Union School District officials declined further comment but sent the following statement to parents:

MUS Reaches $7.5 Million Settlement to Protect Instructional Program and Keep Focus on Students

The Board of Trustees has approved a settlement of $7.5 million to resolve litigation arising from alleged sexual abuse by a former staff member between 1972 and 1978. The agreement includes no admission of liability.

We are deeply mindful of the enduring pain caused by sexual abuse and feel for any person who has experienced such abuse. Together, as a community, we share the responsibility to protect and care for our children. We hold deep respect for any individual impacted and hope for their healing and peace.

The Board’s decision to settle was made to protect our students and our instructional program. While we were prepared to mount a vigorous defense, the possibility of significantly larger verdicts is well documented in sexual abuse cases throughout California. Such a verdict could have substantially diminished our ability to serve students now and in the future. Because the District does not have insurance coverage for these historic claims, continued litigation created exceptional financial vulnerability. Settling now allows us to stabilize operations and remain focused on today’s students.

Student safety, well-being, and academic success continue to be our top priorities. We continuously refine our policies, conduct rigorous background checks, and train staff on mandatory reporting obligations. All staff members receive regular training to prevent sexual abuse and to report any concerns immediately to the appropriate authorities. No current employees were employed by the District during the 1970s.

Operationally, we plan to manage the financial impact by implementing a hiring freeze, seeking to reduce staffing through natural attrition, using funds previously designated for capital repair projects, and making other changes collaboratively. While we face some financial challenges ahead, agreeing to this settlement now means that we do not have to consider layoffs.

Our mission is to launch inspired thinkers who positively impact the world. Resolving this lawsuit enables us to move forward and stay focused on that mission — delivering excellent teaching, robust student support, and a safe, welcoming school for every child.

The strength of our community lies in how we move through challenges together. In doing so, we reflect the values we aspire to each day at MUS — kindness, respect, and integrity.

Sincerely,Susannah Osley, MUSD Board PresidentAnthony Ranii, Superintendent

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It is the end of an era at Madam Lu Chinese Restaurant.

On Sept. 30, owner Mei-Jung Lu Gaffney said she will retire after 27 years in business.

Regular customers packed the restaurant on upper State Street for one last meal.

Diners and employees said they will miss it.

Jian Hua Chen said he was a customer for a decade before getting a job at Madam Lu four years ago.

Barbara Bartolome gave the owner a candle and a hug.

Bartolome joked that she was ordering a year’s worth of food to put in her freezer.

Others brought flowers.

The restaurant’s namesake said she won’t be leaving the Santa Barbara area, but she will be stepping out of the kitchen and enjoying life.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Santa Barbara is taking out the older “hitching post” bike racks and a newer and more secure plan is about to be rolled out.

A citywide bike rack inventory recently took place. Some of the existing bike racks are old and problematic if multiple bikes are locked up on the posts. 

They can also be damaging to the bike frames.

The city also says they are prone to bike theft. 

New compliant and secure bike racks will be purchased with both grant money and matching city funds. 

The new racks will be the Huntco Rambler Wide bicycle racks with a color of green. 

The design and color meet the standards of the city’s strict guidelines for the El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District which is mainly in downtown.

They can be a single rack installation on sidewalks and are designed to minimize scratching to bikes, better security and are built to last without rusting or having other issues for bike riders.

Bike owner Steve Carlton said, “you need a lock that you can get around both wheels and through the frame and on to something that is going to be solid.”

Tyler Dobson was riding downtown and said, “there have actually been a number of times when all of these (racks) are occupied. You have to relegate to a tree or somewhere else and stack it up and you are conflicting with nature.”

The single post racks can be problematic. “These are a little bit tough. There are certain bikes where you can’t lock the u-lock to the frame,” said Logan Valencia. He has even seen the small circular metal ring on the current posts, cut off and presumably the bike locked there, taken away.

Some riders just stop, lock and walk. David Tufts said, “if there is more, it is probably good but usually if there is nothing to tie it to, I just lock it and leave it alone.”

Funding comes in part through the county in the Coastal Resource Mitigation Fund Grant for $56,772, with a City match of $13,928 from the City’s Sustainability and Resiliency Department Budget.

This grant will fund:

6 bike racks at Leadbetter Beach

6 bike racks at Stearns Wharf

6 bike racks at Skater’s Point

64 bike racks throughout the Waterfront in high demand areas. 

Depending on the final costs of the racks, there may be the opportunity to install more bike racks.

They will be installed by April of 2026.

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