Author: KEYT

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A new promotion in the Santa Maria Valley is encouraging shoppers this holiday season to support local businesses.

The “Shop Small Santa Maria Valley” campaign was recently launched by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber in an effort to drive more customers specifically to locally owned and operated businesses.

“Shop Small is a program that we’ve partnered with American Express,” said Michael Boyer, Santa Maria Valley Chamber President and CEO. “We want everybody to focus on shopping at small businesses and to really to support small businesses.”

The Chamber points out that small businesses are an essential economic driver, not only creating employment opportunities for many people, but also how they provide financial contributions and other donations to many important components within the Santa Maria Valley.

“Small businesses are the foundation of the Santa Maria Valley,” said Jennifer Harrison, Santa Maria Valley Chamber Vice President of Marketing and Communications said in a statement. “We are proud to support the entrepreneurs who fuel our local economy, create jobs, and bring character and heart to our community. This campaign is one way we can amplify their impact during the holiday season.”

To help encourage the public to take part in the month-long promotion, the Shop Small campaign includes a financial incentive.

“Go to our Santa Maria Valley Chamber Instagram page,” said Boyer. “Just share to tag a friend, tag a small business. Share it on your story. We’ll enter you into a drawing. We have three $100 (Visa) gift cards that we’ll be giving out.”

For those who own or work at a locally owned and operated business, they emphasize how their shopping experience differs when compared one that is owned by a national company.

“When our clients come in, you’re not going to find something that other corporate places sell,” said Emily Limon, whose family owns the Apricot Lane Boutique in Santa Maria. “We’ll get our customers feedback and we’ll handpick everything ourselves. We really try to make this an experience for our customers and a place where they can come in after a hard day at work, or maybe they want to celebrate something fun, and can come in and get something great that makes them feel good, and look good, and you just won’t get that somewhere else.”

The Shop Small Santa Maria Valley holiday campaign runs through the end of the year and concludes Dec. 31, 2025.

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Caleb Nguyen

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – Charles Hojaboom, a former Cal Poly student, received a 6-year, 2-month state prison sentence for firearm crimes on Cal Poly’s campus in 2023, according to the SLO County District Attorney’s Office.

Hojaboom, 21, pleaded no contest on Aug. 27 to criminal charges of shooting at an inhabited dwelling, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, vandalism and five counts of loaded firearm possession on a college campus, according to the SLOCDAO.

Hojaboom admitted to personal use of a deadly or dangerous weapon included in his plea to the crime of discharging a firearm with gross negligence, according to the SLOCDAO.

Hojaboom also pleaded no contest to shooting at an inhabited dwelling and now stands convicted of two separate “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes Law, according to the SLOCDAO.

All charges against Hojaboom in the case come from four separate shooting incidents that happened between June and November 2023, three of which happened outdoors on campus, according to the SLOCDAO.

Hojaboom fired a bolt-action rifle inside his dorm room on Oct. 27, 2023 and investigators found a bullet that travelled from his dorm through the ceiling into a separate dorm room above, according to the SLOCDAO.

No reported injuries arose during any of these shootings and no agreement between Hojaboom and the District Attorney emerged on a specific time sentence, according to the SLOCDAO.

The maximum sentence on Hojaboom could have been 11 years and 6 months but a presiding judge said she would not go further than 7 years, 6 months for his sentence, according to the SLOCDAO.

Hojaboom will now be taken to state prison for the rest of his sentence after already serving 1,472 days in county jail, according to the SLOCDAO.

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Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) — Many shoppers are sad to see the Isla Vista Food Coop’s Santa Barbara location close down. 

“I mean, it’s just sad to see something so good go. It’s obviously so good for the community to have this little thing on the side of the street,” said local shopper Atalia Zahrndt.

 “I got to know like everyone who works here, so it’s like a fun little, like I get to see my community when I come in and buy my stuff,” said local shopper Sonika Biyani.

The co-op attributes the closure to ongoing financial struggles.

An online statement reads in part: “Expenses remain high, sales remain too low, and we can’t sustainably operate a second location without risking the stability of the cooperative.” 

The store will now revert to the Cantwell’s Market and Deli. 

“They actually had a little more business as the deli when it was Cantwell’s and the variety of salads that they had at the deli was greater too. I used to ask, ‘You don’t have any yam salad today?’ And the next day they would have it,” said Mike Daggett, who lives in Santa Barbara. 

The deli owners say they are excited to bring their culinary expertise to the forefront. 

Pradeep Shastri shares his favorite pasta recipe he’s planning on incorporating in a special menu. 

“Tomato, onion, garlic, feta cheese, and you mix it together with fresh basil and make a vegetarian version with some really julienne of vegetables in there. And then on the same pasta you can create a nice grilled chicken on the top of that or a piece of salmon on that,” said Shastri.

Shastri says he hopes to hire some of the same employees that helped run the co-op. 

He says he’s excited to make it a place with small town charm and culinary flair, adding that there will be indian and italian fusion. 

“We want to make sure we make every client who walks in here happy with the food, with the hospitality. And I know we cannot compare, compete with the big players like, you know, Costco and everybody else, but we are a convenience and a common cafe deli store,” said Shastri.

The State Street store will officially close on December 26th.  

The co-op location in Isla Vista will remain open.

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Scott Hennessee

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – Rain or shine, early morning or late at night, pickleball players will soon have a place to dink and smash away. According to a news release, The Picklr Santa Barbara is under construction at the former site of Bed Bath and Beyond in the Fairview Shopping Center in Goleta.

The facility will have seven pickleball courts, light fitness equipment, showers, lockers, a community lounge/meeting room, and a pro shop. Local residents Ted and Trish Guggenheim are the owner/operators. The target date to open is Spring of 2026. They plan to operate seven days a week from 6 a.m. to midnight.

The Picklr is a franchise of pickleball facilities that is growing rapidly in line with demand for more courts nationwide. Pickleball is said to be the fastest growing sport in America, with more than 13 million people participating.

Monthly and annual memberships are available. Day passes will be available for non-members.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Many people are just learning about the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner.

Young people may not know his name, but they may know his often quoted films including “When Harry Met Sally,” “Princess Bride,” “A Few Good Men,” “Stand by Me,” “Spinal Tap, Spinal Tap II,” and his recent book entitled “A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap.”

People may remember his father Carl and Rob’s star-making role as Meathead on “All in the Family.”

Reiner’s acting and directing career led to recognition at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2001 and one of his leading ladies, Meg Ryan, lives part time in Montecito.

But he is also remembered for his legacy when it comes to young children and child development.

Reiner helped pass Prop 10, a cigarette tax, to fund early childhood development programs.

The most famous is known as First 5 California.

Former Congresswoman Lois Capps said she was a nurse when it began and she has applauded it ever since.

“First 5 was his baby and it just made such a difference in how babies were appreciated and valued and given priority,” said Capps.

Wendy Sims-Moten knew Reiner due to her work as an advocate through First 5 with a focus on school readiness for children up to age 5.

“When prop 10 was being challenged, actually, he came and did an interview here, actually it was at Goleta Valley Community Center. We had little kids that were around and coming around they were at the Rainbow School and they were just being kids, I remember he was trying to do a press conference and they were yelling and screaming and he just made a wonderful look ‘oh they are just being kids and that is why were are here,’ so, kids are allowed to just be who they are and when they are growing up without pressure,” said Sims-Moten.

Sims-Moten remembers being In the room with him and the energy he brought.

“He understood and knew in a profound way that if we strengthen our systems at the earliest opportunities our children will be prepared for school, they will be stronger and they will be more resistant, I can’t believe that he is gone but his work will love,” said Sims-Moten.

She said is is a honor to be part of his legacy that includes First 5 Santa Barbara, First 5 San Luis Obispo and First 5 Ventura and more than 55 other locations in the state.

She also said having a famous man show his interest in the children from birth to 5 years of age made a difference and still makes a difference.

“Thank goodness for this visionary leader thank goodness for his vision and his legacy,” said Sims-Moten, “Thank you Rob, thank you for answering that call, thank you for sharing your vision about children and families with children in California.”

A statement from First 5 Santa Barbara County reads:

” In solidarity with First 5 California and their statement honoring the lives and legacies of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, First 5 Santa Barbara County joins in mourning the profound loss of two individuals whose shared compassion and commitment left an enduring mark on early childhood systems across California. We extend our deepest condolences as we honor Rob’s visionary leadership and tireless advocacy for young children and families, alongside Michele’s creativity, commitment, and meaningful contributions to California’s early childhood landscape. Our hearts are with their family, friends, and all who are grieving this loss, as we hold gratitude for the legacy they leave behind during this difficult time.”

Many people are thinking about ways to pay tribute to Reiner and his wife and their children.

Local fan Guy Rivera said he knew Reiner was a good guy when he cast his mother in “When Harry Met Sally” and she ended up delivering the line “I’ll have what she is havin,” one of the most quoted lines in movie history.

Their second-born son Nick, who has battled addiction for half his life, is now facing charges in his parents death.

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Patricia Martellotti

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) — As colder temperatures settle into the region, the Ventura Foul Weather Service is stepping in to provide critical support for people experiencing homelessness. The program is offering overnight shelter and warm meals to help individuals stay safe during potentially dangerous weather conditions.

The foul weather shelter opens when temperatures drop and conditions become unsafe, creating a temporary but vital refuge for those with nowhere else to go. Inside, guests are given a warm place to sleep, a hot meal, and access to basic services aimed at meeting immediate needs.

Organizers say the service plays a key role in protecting the community’s most vulnerable residents during winter storms and cold snaps. By opening its doors during severe weather, the program helps reduce the risk of cold-related illnesses and injuries among people living outdoors.

Community partners and volunteers support the effort, ensuring the shelter can operate during periods of high demand. Officials encourage anyone in need of shelter to seek out the service when foul weather is forecast.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Issues including new dense housing plans, aging stations and the need for more personnel were all out on the table in a presentation to the Santa Barbara City Council recently.

That led to an allocation of funds to begin planning for specific future actions for the Santa Barbara City Fire. The council unanimously agreed to $100,000 for an immediate station location and facilities master plan. 

There are many concerns or needs for upgrades.

That includes changes to fire station 7 on Stanwood Drive, which is aging and can not be replaced at its current site due to earthquake faults.

Also the historic fire station 3 on Sola Street built in 1929.   

Fire Chief Chris Mailes says the engine in that station has a clearance of “an inch and a half.” He said any new fire engine would not fit.

Mailes is also concerned about the city’s development plans now and in the future that could increase the size and capacity of buildings that house people.

He pointed out there is a lateral spread and a vertical spread they plan for and it relates to the “life safety risk.”

“When you are dealing with a mid-rise and high-rise you are putting people in those buildings you are complicating what we call the life safety risk,” said Mailes.

He said the area is getting a mix of larger commercial and residential properties. “You are looking at the multi family dwellings you are looking at buildings greater than 50,000 square feet.  You’re looking at large fire flow requirements.   This town, especially downtown, is getting more dense and it is getting more difficult to protect as far as  fire protection.”

The department is also looking at adding a quick response team for medical calls. Right now there are about 8,100 calls a year.

Overall, the department is responding to 12,000 calls a year. In 1993, that number was 5,500.

Councilmember Kristen Sneddon said when the police station was deemed old, outdated and unsafe rebuilding a new command center (now underway) was a priority. She says the fire department needs the same attention.

“These are stations where firefighters are living overnight, spending time, so this is very high priority,” said Sneddon.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – New state laws will bolster student protection policies at schools and higher education institutions.

Educators say they feel validated.

Since March, the nation has seen a significant increase in immigration enforcement.

Locally, some Santa Barbara county cities and school districts are doubling down on policies affecting students.

“10% of Santa Barbara County is undocumented, and that means another many, many thousands of people more are married to those who have mixed documentation or the daughters and sons or relatives of,” says Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps.

ICE official policy is no enforcement at any schools, designating them as sensitive areas requiring multiple layers of authorization.

“They have to come through the district office and speak with me, the superintendent, to be able to get direction from there,” says Darren McDuffie, Santa Maria-Bonita’s superintendent. “But most definitely we haven’t had any incidents at our schools.”

Activities near school campuses have increased anxieties, causing some parents to keep their kids at home.

“It’s not a remote thing that’s happening out of the White House or Washington, D.C,” says supervisor Capps. “It’s really in our neighborhoods. It’s in our schools. It’s in our workplaces. It’s definitely on our farms. It’s at our in our shopping centers. It’s everywhere.”

In September, governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 98 and Assembly Bill 49, bolstering student protection services, backing schools by state legislation.

“For us, it really is a validation that what we’re doing is the right thing for our students,” says superintendent McDuffie.

The new state laws require ICE agents to have judicial warrants and valid identification, and for school districts to send notes to parents when agents are on campus.

Due to their urgency clauses, the laws went into effect as soon as the governor signed them.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Christmas is just days away and shopping for the perfect gift can be stressful… especially for kids.

Your Morning News sat down with Gail Kvistad and her dog Mojo to talk about the best thing you can gift a kid – The Enchanted Tails of Magic Mojo and Gail.

Kids can join Mojo the Chihuahua on a heartwarming journey to find his inner spirit and find his forever home with the inspirational Gail Good Fairy. The book is offered in English on one side and Spanish on the other.

To order a book you can visit Kvistad’s website or visit True Love Always & Tecalote store, both in Montecito & LOVEWORN in Carpinteria.

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Tracy Lehr

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) – Some children on the Central Coast who may never seen snow had a chance to play at the Channel Islands Harbor.

The snow was delivered by truck on the same day as the harbor’s annual boat parade.

But the snow didn’t last long. By Sunday it was melting fast.

Even so, children threw snowballs and gave sledding a try.

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