Mike Klan
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Bishop Diego led 29-2 after the first quarter and cruised to an 84-23 win over Cate of Carpinteria.
Senior Aidan Padilla poured in a game-high 33 points for the Cardinals who improved to 17-2 on the season and 6-0 in the Tri-Valley League.
Mike Klan
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – In their last chance to beat the Dons, the seniors on the San Marcos High School boys basketball team finally got to celebrate when the final buzzer sounded.
Senior starters Koji Hefner, Brody Green and Lincoln Gengo led the way in a 63-52 win over Santa Barbara as the Dons lost for the first time in eight Channel League games this year.
It was the Royals first win over rival Santa Barbara since February 3, 2023.
Hefner led the way with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists as the Royals improved to 6-2 in league.
(Koji Hefner played a complete game to lead the Royals to victory. Entenza Design).
Green added 16 points while Gengo tallied 14 points on the strength of four 3-pointers.
Santa Barbara jumped out to an early 9-2 lead and had a 15-12 advantage after the first quarter.
But Gengo and junior Aidan Conlan each hit a pair of three-pointers in the second quarter and San Marcos led 30-23 at halftime.
(Gengo made 3 first half three-pointers. (Entenza Design).
Dons junior Owen Horn pulled his team within a point at 33-32 with 3:30 left in the third quarter but the Royals responded with 3-pointers by Gengo, Hefner and Green.
(Brody Green had 4 assists and 4 rebounds to go along with his 16 points. Entenza Design).
San Marcos entered the fourth quarter with a 42-33 lead.
The Royals never gave up the lead in the fourth quarter and the student section poured onto the floor when the game finished to celebrate with the team.
Caleb Nguyen
SOLVANG, Calif. (KEYT) – The California Highway Patrol is investigating a car crashing into a bus in Solvang just before 2:30 p.m. Friday in Solvang, according to the Buellton CHP.
The crash happened on Mission Drive, east of Alisal Road, before CHP officers found a Toyota RAV4 that crashed into a school bus with children aboard.
The crash injured no children and just one party complained about pain. A third car may have been involved, according to the CHP.
The investigation is ongoing, and those with information are asked to contact the CHP at the following number.
Dave Alley
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – The power of the sun is now helping power up the San Luis Obispo County Airport.
This week, the county-operated facility received a “Permission to Operate” for its brand new 940-kilowatt (kW) solar energy system.
“This is a huge achievement for us,” said Annie Secrest, San Luis Obispo County Airport Sustainability Manager. “The airport has been looking at ways to improve its environmental stewardship, and one of the ways that came to surface was solar, and solar would really be a visual demonstration of our commitment to sustainability.”
The project has been in the works since 2022 and has been installed in the airport’s main parking lot.
Several canopy structures are now in place over many of the lot’s nearly parking stalls, which represents 65% of the airport’s overall total of guest parking.
“What better way to demonstrate than on a hot day like today, where we actually can look at the cars and see that they’re being sheltered from the sun,” said Secrest. “The shaded parking also provides protection from the elements when it is raining here. There’s also nice LED lighting underneath and so the passengers will be able to see really well during those early morning and late nights flights as well.”
According to the airport, the solar project is a big step forward is helping it achieve several goals, including a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, operational resilience and responsible use of public resources.
“We’ve locked in our price per electricity for every unit that’s coming off the solar system for the next 20 years,” said Secrest. “What that allows us to do is stabilize the electricity rate for 20 years, which helps us budget and helps us figure out where we can spend money and on what services.”
Construction was a two-part process that began last June. Worked finished up right before Thanksgiving and the airport has been waiting to receive its Permission to Operate, which finally arrived this week.
“It takes a long time to figure out what the appropriate sizing is going to be to do forward,” said Secrest. “Projecting on what electricity use we’re going to have in the next several years to make sure we size appropriately, and then going through the iterative process of actually designing, working with the various county departments or external stakeholders or developers or utilities, and so all of those partners came together over the past several years, and so this is a really big moment for us to be able to open the entire parking lot and say it’s open.”
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Beth Farnsworth
GOLETA, Calif (KEYT) – A beautiful, festival-worthy film about the Ellwood Bluffs is available for you to watch, from the comfort of home.
Courtesy: City of Goleta
“Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs” was released to the public this week by the City of Goleta.
The 23-minute film premiered at the Wild and Free Film Festival back in November to a standing-room only crowd. It was a similar scenario on January 7 during a free screening at the Camino Real Cinemas. Turnout was so popular, the link was made available for people to share.
Packed theater / Courtesy: City of Goleta
The film’s premise is a powerful one that chronicles how people throughout the community — and beyond — rallied to save the 200 acres of open space from development with large and small donations and tremendous spirit.
It also addresses Ellwood’s declining Monarch butterfly population at the grove.
The film was created as part of the Ellwood Mesa’s 20-year anniversary as a preserve.
Courtesy: City of Goleta
Click here to watch “Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs” short film.
News Channel 3-12
Below is a press release from the County of Santa Barbara regarding the partial closure of Goleta Beach County Park.
GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – Due to the recent storms, Santa Barbara County will close parts of Goleta Beach County Park beginning approximately January 26, 2026. An updated schedule with closure information and dates will be updated at the County Parks Department website www.sbparks.org when operational plans are further developed.
Beach operations are expected to begin the week of January 26th. Work will continue until the storm response is complete and could occur 10 hours a day, seven days a week if necessary. Operations are estimated to continue through March 2026 but may be accelerated or delayed depending on inclement weather.
On Friday, January 9, the County of Santa Barbara proclaimed a local emergency in response to the storms that occurred between December 23, 2025, and January 3, 2026.
The Winter 2026 beach operations involve sediment from the Goleta Slough watersheds only. The flood-control channels surrounding the Santa Barbara Airport, Old Town Goleta, and parts of the Eastern Goleta Valley have accumulated excess sediment due to winter storms. The channels and basins are designed to capture sediment and floodwaters to protect the community; however, the sediment must be removed to regain flood control protection. Goleta Beach is the designated transport site for the sediment to be re-purposed and placed along the shoreline to increase beach width and buffer the Park from wave impacts.
The County follows environmental regulations to manage and protect wildlife and habitat during these beach operations. In the long term, this sand and cobble placement helps protect the Park from further sediment loss and erosion. The 2023 operation helped build up six more acres of beach to the Park’s western end. With the additional sand, the Santa Barbara County Community Services Department has installed volleyball nets on the beach for the first time since 2013. These operations are conducted through Flood Control District maintenance permits and coordination with state and federal agencies.
Sediment samples have been collected for processing. Further sediment samples and ocean water samples will be tested during operations. Weekly reports with information on sampling results are sent to regulatory agencies and will be posted at www.countyofsb.org/emergencybeachops
All Park visitors and members of the public traveling along the Obern Trail should practice safety and yield to trucks and other heavy equipment in the area.
Mike Klan
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Two of the top stars from the 2020 NBC World Series Champion Santa Barbara Foresters will be inducted into the team’s hall of fame next month.
Jace Jung and Matt Mclain will be honored by the Foresters on Sunday, February 1 starting at 4 p.m. at the Cabrillo Pavilion in Santa Barbara. Foresters longtime medical advisor Dr. Chris Proctor will also be inducted at the annual Hall of Fame Hot Stove Dinner.
The dinner will also honor former trainer Kristy Lash, who herself is battling cancer, and the late Howard Cantor, a longtime volunteer and board member.
Jung was the Foresters MVP in 2020 hitting .404 and leading the team in home runs with 10.
McLain batted .436 in that sensational summer that most consider the best Foresters team of all-time.
The Foresters finished the 2020 season 30-4 and won all four of their World Series games by a combined score of 33-4.
They pitched a combined no-hitter at the NBC Tournament and they did not make an error in those four games.
“Matt and Jace were part of probably the most talented team in Foresters history, which dominated on the way to winning the NBC World Series championship as what some say was the best team in the long history of the NBC,” said longtime manager Bill Pintard. “And both players have gone on to see their Major League dreams come true.”
Dr. Proctor played a part in helping those players and the whole Foresters team navigate that 2020 COVID season, but that was just part of his more than 25 years making sure Foresters players are safe and healthy.
Together, Pintard and Proctor have seen more than 70 Foresters advance to the Major Leagues over the years, including the 2026 inductees. A former UCLA Bruin, has been a Cincinnati Reds shortstop since 2023, when he finished fifth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. (McLain’s teammates include former Foresters Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.)
Jung joined his brother Josh, also a Foresters Hall of Famer, in the Majors in 2024 when he made the Detroit Tigers. In Jace’s first season, he helped the Tigers make the AL playoffs as a second baseman.
“The Hot Stove is one of our most beloved traditions,” added Pintard. “It’s a way to honor people who have played a big part in our success, but also a way for us to gather and share memories and stories with each other, all while raising money to help the Hugs for Cubs.”
Individual and table tickets are available, as well as sponsorship opportunities. Visit the Foresters website at www.sbforesters.org or write to info@sbforesters.org for more information.
Alissa Orozco
Below is a press release from the County of Santa Barbara regarding the retirement of County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato announced today that she plans to retire in July 2026, concluding more than twelve years of service to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and the residents of Santa Barbara County. She will remain fully engaged over the next six months to ensure continuity of operations, support leadership succession planning, and lead adoption of the County’s FY 2026–27 budget.
“Serving Santa Barbara County has been the honor of my professional career,” said Miyasato. “Together, we modernized County operations, strengthened our safety net and justice system, invested in critical infrastructure, and communicated transparently, even during times of crisis. As we prepare for this transition, our focus remains steady: delivering essential services, supporting our workforce, and upholding the trust of our residents.”
During her tenure, Miyasato led a decade of organizational modernization to improve transparency, efficiency, and service delivery across County departments. She championed the implementation of major enterprise systems, including the Workday financial and human resources platform, a new electronic budgeting system, and an online financial transparency tool launching this year. She spearheaded the establishment of the County’s standalone Information Technology Department and ensured implementation of electronic permitting and countywide geographic information system.
Miyasato placed renewed emphasis on transparency, public communication and community engagement, re-establishing a centralized communications function, expanding public information capacity, and introducing plain-language summaries of Board actions along with a monthly Countywide electronic newsletter. She also championed the expansion of homeless services and innovative approaches to homeless housing opportunities. Miyasato also prioritized critical improvements to the = County’s criminal justice system, advancing diversion strategies that safely reduced the jail population, particularly for individuals with mental illness. These efforts were strengthened through closer integration of justice system oversight with health and human services, especially behavioral health.
Throughout her tenure, Miyasato guided the County through unprecedented emergencies and recovery efforts, including the Thomas Fire, the January 9 Debris Flow, multiple wildfires and severe winter storms, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the County strengthened bilingual emergency communications, enhanced Emergency Operations Center readiness and secured hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal reimbursements to protect core services and support long-term community-based recovery.
Miyasato joined the County in 2013 following the Great Recession, as it faced rising pension costs, structural budget pressures, unstable reserves, and a reduced workforce operating under prolonged strain. Under her leadership, the County restored fiscal stability, fully funded its Strategic Reserve, earned the highest available bond rating (AAA) awarded to a public agency, implemented disciplined multi-year financial planning, and positioned itself to eliminate its pension unfunded liability by 2031.
Addressing the timing of her retirement, Miyasato said, “Federal policy shifts and state fiscal uncertainty present real challenges ahead. However, we have navigated disasters, deficits, and major policy changes before while continuing to deliver balanced budgets and essential services. The County is well positioned, with an experienced executive team, strong governance practices, and a thoughtful, fiscally responsible Board of Supervisors. This transition reflects a planned process and my commitment to help finalize the FY 2026–27 budget so that my successor inherits a clear and stable path forward.”
“I want to extend my gratitude to the current and past Boards of Supervisors for their steadfast commitment to good governance, financial stewardship and service to the community. Their collegial approach and professionalism have been instrumental in advancing the County’s mission,” Miyasato added.
“Mona Miyasato’s leadership over the past 12 years has been extraordinary. Through periods of significant challenge and change, she has guided the County with integrity, steadiness, and a deep commitment to public service. Her work strengthened the organization, elevated our leadership team, and positioned the County to thrive well into the future. The strong foundation she leaves in place ensures that this organization will continue to succeed and serve our communities with excellence,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisor Bob Nelson.
The County will initiate a national recruitment process for the County Executive Officer position in coordination with the Board of Supervisors and the Human Resources Department.
Traducción al español:
SANTA BÁRBARA, Calif. – La Oficial Ejecutiva del Condado de Santa Bárbara, Mona Miyasato, anunció hoy que planea jubilarse en julio de 2026, momento en que concluirá más de doce años de servicio en la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Santa Bárbara y a los residentes del Condado de Santa Bárbara. Ella permanecerá plenamente comprometida durante los próximos seis meses para asegurar la continuidad de las operaciones, apoyar la planificación de la sucesión del liderazgo y liderar la adopción del presupuesto del año fiscal 2026-27.
“Servir al Condado de Santa Bárbara ha sido un honor en mi carrera profesional”, dijo Miyasato. “Juntos, modernizamos las operaciones del condado, fortalecimos nuestra red de seguridad y sistema de justicia, invertimos en infraestructura crítica y nos comunicamos de manera transparente, incluso en tiempos de crisis. A medida que nos preparamos para esta transición, nuestro enfoque permanece constante: ofrecer servicios esenciales, apoyar a nuestra fuerza laboral y mantener la confianza de nuestros residentes”.
Durante su mandato, Miyasato lideró una década de modernización organizacional para mejorar la transparencia, la eficiencia y la prestación de servicios en todos los departamentos del condado. Ella abogó por la implementación de los principales sistemas empresariales, que incluye la plataforma de recursos financieros y humanos Workday, un nuevo sistema de presentación de presupuestos electrónico y una herramienta de transparencia financiera en línea que se lanzará este año. Ella encabezó el establecimiento del Departamento de Tecnología de la Información independiente del Condado y aseguró la implementación de permisos electrónicos y el sistema de información geográfica en todo el condado.
Miyasato puso renovado énfasis en la transparencia, la comunicación pública y la participación comunitaria, restableciendo una función centralizada de comunicaciones, ampliando la capacidad de información pública e introduciendo resúmenes en lenguaje sencillo de las acciones de la Junta junto con un boletín electrónico mensual del condado. También abogó por la expansión de los servicios para personas sin hogar y enfoques innovadores para las oportunidades de vivienda para personas sin hogar. Miyasato también dio prioridad a las mejoras críticas en el sistema de justicia penal del condado, promoviendo estrategias de desvío que redujeron de manera segura la población carcelaria, particularmente para las personas con enfermedades mentales. Estos esfuerzos se fortalecieron mediante una integración más estrecha de la supervisión del sistema de justicia con los servicios de salud y sociales, especialmente la salud conductual.
A lo largo de su mandato, Miyasato guió al condado en emergencias y esfuerzos de recuperación sin precedentes, incluido el incendio Thomas, el flujo de escombros del 9 de enero, múltiples incendios forestales y severas tormentas de invierno, y la pandemia del COVID-19. Bajo su liderazgo, el condado fortaleció las comunicaciones bilingües de emergencia, mejoró la preparación del Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia y aseguró cientos de millones de dólares en reembolsos estatales y federales para proteger los servicios básicos y apoyar la recuperación a largo plazo basada en la comunidad.
Miyasato se unió al Condado en 2013 después de la Gran Recesión, ya que enfrentó el aumento de los costos de pensiones, presiones presupuestarias estructurales, reservas inestables y una fuerza laboral reducida que operaba bajo tensión prolongada. Bajo su liderazgo, el condado restauró la estabilidad fiscal, financió completamente su Reserva Estratégica, obtuvo la calificación de bonos más alta disponible (AAA) otorgada a una agencia pública, implementó una planificación financiera disciplinada de varios años y se posicionó para eliminar su responsabilidad de pensiones sin financiamiento para 2031.
Al abordar el momento de su jubilación, Miyasato dijo: “Los cambios en las políticas federales y la incertidumbre fiscal estatal presentan desafíos reales por delante. Sin embargo, hemos superado desastres, déficits y grandes cambios de política antes, mientras seguimos ofreciendo presupuestos equilibrados y servicios esenciales. El condado está bien posicionado, con un equipo ejecutivo experimentado, fuertes prácticas de gobierno y una Junta de Supervisores fiscalmente responsable. Esta transición refleja un proceso planificado y mi compromiso de ayudar a finalizar el presupuesto del año fiscal 2026-27, de modo que mi sucesor hereda un camino claro y estable hacia adelante”.
“Quiero expresar mi gratitud a los actuales y anteriores Consejos de Supervisores por su firme compromiso con la buena gobernanza, la administración financiera y el servicio a la comunidad. Su enfoque colegiado y profesionalismo han sido fundamentales para avanzar en la misión del Condado,” añadió Miyasato.
“El liderazgo de Mona Miyasato en los últimos 12 años ha sido extraordinario. A través de períodos de desafíos y cambios significativos, ella ha guiado al condado con integridad, constancia y un profundo compromiso con el servicio público. Su trabajo fortaleció la organización, elevó nuestro equipo de liderazgo y posicionó al condado para prosperar en el futuro. La sólida base que deja en su lugar asegura que esta organización continuará teniendo éxito y sirviendo a nuestras comunidades con excelencia”, dijo el presidente de la Junta de Supervisores, Bob Nelson.
El condado iniciará un proceso nacional de reclutamiento para el puesto de Oficial Ejecutivo del Condado en coordinación con la Junta de Supervisores y el Departamento de Recursos Humanos.
Jarrod Zinn
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow has responded to calls from communities across the nation for “ICE-Free Zones”.
For example, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath is spearheading ordinances to restrict ICE from using property controlled by local agencies.
“We know that there’s, you know, ongoing activity we had right outside my district office in Van Nuys, a raid right outside our office, which communicated to people they didn’t care how close they were to a county government building,” says Los Angeles county supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow says the establishment of so-called “ICE free zones” is merely symbolic rhetoric, and that state, county, and local law enforcement does not override federal law.
“It’s factually impossible for a state or a local government to supersede federal authority,” says Dan Dow, District Attorney For SLO County. “Don’t ever cross the line and violate the law, because that could get you potentially arrested and prosecuted by the federal government. Or if you violate a California law while you’re doing that, you could be prosecuted locally.”
Dow acknowledges confusion people may have about how U.S. Immigration Law works.
He says politicians have allowed illegal immigration to happen for decades.
“I want to make sure that our community knows, from my perspective as the D.A., what is lawful, what is not lawful, what is protected under the Constitution, what is not,” says D.A. Dow. “Because we all want to live in a safe community where we’re free from crime. Whether that be, you know, from folks that are citizens or non-citizens and also, from crimes that may come as a result of, protest activity.”
The District Attorney does specify that the Constitution protects free speech, the airing of grievances, and peaceable assembly.
“And so what we want people to know is we’re going to do all that we can to keep them safe,” says L.A. County supervisor Horvath.
Dow says people should comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, and to give them the space to do their jobs.
“Many leaders around our country have implied to their followers that you should go out and engage these law enforcement officers,” says Dow. “We hear the word ‘resist,’ and that’s dangerous rhetoric for anybody to encourage someone to do. Because if you’re resisting a law enforcement officer, that is per se a crime, as long as they’re performing their duties.”
Dow has received criticism for his social media comments supporting ice’s actions in Minneapolis, but chose not to comment further.
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John Palminteri
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The dredging schedule, normally done twice a year to clear the Santa Barbara harbor entrance of sand, is no longer a budget guarantee.
This year it is the worst in many years.
It is usually part of the Presidential budget for the Army Corps of Engineers. Last year funding was removed from several harbors including Santa Barbara. The Waterfront Department usually gets about $4 million a year.
January 28th of 2025 was the last time dredging took place. The two dredging operations a year plan is now down to one – and possibly after February, none.
“It is starting to pinch the channel,” said Waterfront Director Mike Wiltshire.
It covers the area technically called the “Federal Channel.” This is between Stearn’s Wharf and the breakwater wall structure.
“We have no confirmed funding,” said Wiltshire when looking at this year’s funding.
“We are ‘shakin’ all the trees,'” said Wiltshire about his search for funding.
The last pot of money will be used “sometime in February to dredge.” The need can change at any moment, especially during storms. “Hopefully that gets us through the summer and through to next fall, but nature is nature.”
His advice to mariners is to stay in the center. It is getting a little tighter and a little shallower.
“Three years of sediment can move into that harbor in 48 hours as the harbor has seen in recent years creating an emergency for boat owners,” he said.
The harbor has a vibrant economy and commercial fishing boats are active weekly. They also sell their catch on Saturday mornings right on the city pier along with sending fish to local restaurants and around the world.
If there is a storm after the next dredging, and the entrance closes down because of sand buildup, an emergency request will be declared.
(More details, video and photos will be added here later today.)
