Author: KEYT

Tracy Lehr

ISLA VISTA, Calif. (KEYT) – Before “Deltopia” and “Soltopia” there was “Floatopia.”

At the Isla Vista Bike Boutique, Henry Sarria said he remembered Floatopia back in the day.

“A few thousand of us we paddled offshore with rafts, kayaks, whatever would float and we had a great time,” said Sarria.

But then he said someone went on social media and word spread.

All the attention led to crowds that sank the Floatopia tradition.

“Multiple fights, sexual assaults, someone fell off a balcony, and some fell off a cliff at one and a near drowning, massive overdoses, alcohol poisoning,” said Soria. “The problem has never been locals.”

This year, ‘Soltopia’ is the alternative, but the sheriff’s office is prepared to respond to Deltopia, too.

“We want them to know that restorative justice has been suspected for the deltopia weekend that is really important it means that you are not going to have the opportunity to have a citation going through the restorative justice process and not become part of your permanent record.”” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Raquel Zick.

Zick said beaches off Del Playa will closed over the weekend and there will be barricade blocking an influx of cars.

She said there goal is to keep people in Isla Vista safe and to prevent injuries and accidents.

Word on the Isla Vista streets is that the unsanctioned or permitted street party isn’t happening.

The Isla Vista Community Services District is working to make Soltopia take its place.

All kinds of events will happen on the so-called Isla Vista Loop on Saturday April 4th from noon to 6 p.m.

“Soltopia is going to be on Saturday, so we are going to do all of Saturday we are going to go to band and stuff it is just going into be really very fun vibes,” said Valarie Adams.

The fourth year UCSB student has never attended Deltopia, but friends have.

Brianna Garcia has fun memories of it. She said her friends stayed together.

She is making similar plans for Soltopia that is being billed as Isla Vista’s Spring Music Festival.

‘We are always hydrated and we never like to go past our limits and we are always in a big group together and just careful, ” said Garcia.

Isla Vista community Services District General Manager, Jonathan Abboud, handed out festival-style wristbands to people with student or Isla Vista resident identification

They are good for food and drinks and VIP areas where bands will be performing during the sanctioned event.

Since Soltopia falls on Easter weekend it could reduce the attendance to the sanctioned Soltopia and unsanctoned parties along Del Playa.

Either way the Sheriff’s Office and Isla Vista Foot Patrol are planning to have maximum enforcement available to respond to any problems.

For more information visit https://www.sbsheriff.org and https://islavistacsd.ca.gov

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News Channel 3-12

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The time has come to see who will represent the Spirit & Junior Spirit of Fiesta. The search was narrowed down to 20 finalists from throughout the community of Santa Barbara.

Cn Saturday, April 11th, the Spirit & Junior Spirit of Fiesta will be chosen at a final audition at the Lobero Theatre.

In anticipation, your News Channel will be showcasing one Spirit and one Junior Spirit candidate each day leading up to the final audition, starting Monday, March 30th.

Spirit of Fiesta Finalists:
Junior Spirit of Fiesta Finalists:

Alejandra Quepons
Valentina Vega

Lane Danhauer
Aleah Valdez-Estrada

Paloma Aguilar
Amarah Saenz

Emilio Gonzales
Penelope Hernandez

Mia Talaugon
Alessandra Goycochea

Alexandra Nocker
Bobbi Sanchez

Natalie Rodriguez
Catalina Montepeque

Chloe Kossen
Kaili Kauka

Tessa Shyrock
Emiko Dorfman

Jenna Ramirez
Sophie Godinez

You can find a complete list of finalists here.

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Caleb Nguyen

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – A three-car crash killed a person just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday near Higuera Ranch on the southbound side of Highway 101, according to the SLO CHP.

A 2026 Toyota Camry tried turning left from Higuera Ranch onto the highway when a 2023 Highlander going north hit the Camry at an unknown rate of speed, according to the CHP.

Both cars crashed, and the Highlander came to rest on the southbound 101 right shoulder, while the heavily damaged Camry faced the wrong way in the northbound #1 lane, according to the CHP.

A woman in the Camry came out of the passenger side door, trying to exit the car, when a 2024 Hyundai Tucson going north did not see the Camry and unfortunately hit the woman at an unknown speed.

The Tucson hit the Camry as the woman exited and landed in the southbound 101 lane following the collision, according to the CHP.

First responders later pronounced the woman dead, and five more people, two adults and three children, went to Sierra Vista Hospital for minor to moderate injuries, according to the CHP.

CHP officers kept the #2 lane and the shoulders for Highway 101 open for traffic during the initial analysis of the crash. Alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, according to the CHP.

The incident remains under investigation, according to the CHP.

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Dave Alley

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – The Lompoc Animal Shelter has been awarded $850,000 in federal funding that will help kickstart a major renovation project of the aging facility.

The funding was recently announced by the office of Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), who also helped secure millions of dollars in funding for several other projects in Santa Barbara County.

The award for the animal shelter will specifically help the facility improve and modernize the outdoor animal kennels, which are mainly occupied by dogs.

“The space of the kennels is rather small,” said Sarah Aguilar, Santa Barbara County Animal Services Director. “By renovating the dog kennel or some of the housing spaces for our dogs, we’ll be able to provide a lot better care for them and have them be more comfortable while they’re visiting us.”

According to Aguilar, the overall cost of the project is still to be determined, but could land somewhere between $5 million to $8 million.

“Santa Barbara County Animal Services has contracted with an organization called Animal Arts that does shelter design, and they’ll come out, this spring and they’ll take a look at our data,” said Aguilar. “They’ll do laser measuring of all of our spaces. They’ll talk to staff, volunteers, community members and look at all of our data projections for community growth over the coming years and will also take a look at our budget and give us sort of some ranges of what we can do to improve our kennels.”

Once Animal Arts has collected its information about the shelter, it will provide recommendations to Santa Barbara County how to proceed with the capital improvement project.

The County is hoping to have work completed within about three years.

“This $850,000 secured by Congressman Carabajal is transformational for our shelter,” said said Santa Barbara County Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann. “Modernized kennels mean healthier, less stressed animals, improved conditions for our staff and volunteers, and a facility that truly reflects the compassion of the Lompoc community. From families in Lompoc to the service members at Vandenberg Space Force Base, so many people rely on the work of the shelter — and now we have the resources to do it even better.”

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the California Mid-State Fair regarding an addition to the event’s performance line-up, country artist Lainey Wilson.

PASO ROBLES, CA – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce Lainey Wilson will perform Friday, July 17, 2026 at 7:30 PM as part of the Michelob ULTRA Concert Series in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center. Opening the show is Colton Dawson.

Tickets for the concert go on sale Friday, April 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM and are priced at $70, $100, $140, and $185. Tickets are available online only. To ensure ticket authenticity and face-value pricing, fans should begin their purchase at MidStateFair.com, which links directly to the official ticketing provider.

Lainey Wilson continues to captivate the world, capturing the hearts of fans and respect of her peers. With her new song, “Can’t Sit Still,” Wilson shares a snapshot of her life as an unstoppable force. Filled with restless energy, the track arrives during a period of non-stop activity, as Wilson made her film debut in Universal’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him, prepares to headline Stagecoach 2026 and joins Chris Stapleton for stadium shows this summer, after just wrapping her Whirlwind World Tour. She is also the subject of a new in-depth Netflix documentary, Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool, which will be released April 22 after recently premiering at SXSW. Last year, the 2x CMA and 2x ACM Entertainer of the Year hosted the 59th CMA Awards (the first solo female host since Reba McEntire in 1991) and released the deluxe version of her album Whirlwind, featuring her #1 single “Somewhere Over Laredo.”

A sought-after songwriter, the 12x CMA, 16x ACM, Grammy winner and Grand Ole Opry member has nine #1s including “4x4xU,” “Watermelon Moonshine” and the 2x Platinum “Heart Like A Truck,” plus collaborations with Jelly Roll (“Save Me”) and HARDY (“wait in the truck”). Moreover, Wilson has worked with artists such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Post Malone, made her acting debut in Paramount’s hit show Yellowstone and recently launched her fifth collection with Wrangler, as well as her own boot (Golden West Boots) and jewelry lines (The Lainey Wilson Jewelry Collection).

Colton Dawson is a rising country singer-songwriter whose soulful voice, sharp guitar work, and honest storytelling have quickly set him apart in Nashville’s new wave of traditional country. Originally from Arizona and now based in Tennessee, Colton has already turned heads with standout live performances — including a surprise opening set for Clay Walker at the Ryman Auditorium that earned him two standing ovations. Blending classic country roots with fresh, heartfelt songwriting, he is currently recording his debut album with some of Nashville’s top musicians. With authentic lyrics, rich melodies, and a deep commitment to country’s timeless sound, Colton Dawson is fast becoming one of the genre’s most compelling young artists.

The California Mid-State Fair runs July 15 through July 26, 2026, featuring twelve days of concerts, exhibits, carnival rides, livestock shows, and family-friendly entertainment.

For more information, visit www.MidStateFair.com

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If $6-$7-dollar a gallon gas prices are putting the brakes on your Spring break travel plans, a stay-cation may be the most affordable way to enjoy some time off.

Many people are thinking just that. The Automobile Association says about 10 percent of the traveling public are reeling back to keep their time off closer to home.

Some have annual trips that are mandatory including seeing relatives, and sharing Easter services together. For those where the trip is optional, this could be the time to save hundreds of dollars, even more, on traveling.

It’s not just a decision for drivers. Fuel costs for jets have also gone up significantly.

At the pumps some of the highest prices that have caught eyes are for diesel fuel fill ups which can often easily exceed $100 dollars.

Driving, flying, and hotel costs have changed drastically in recent months.

For those concerned about airport delays and cancellations with the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) funding and sick-call-surge, flights might be getting a second thought.

The plan to save money starts with setting a budget and staying as close to it as possible.

There are also many affordable and free activities close to home that you may not have been to before or are worth re-exploring with family and friends.

Eating out can also get costly, so it is wise to look for special happy hour and early bird discounts if you can fit that into your schedule before the traditional reservation bookings.

For Easter Sunday, there will be many sold out tables in restaurants, and some families celebrate Saturday when they have a better chance at a seating and a better price point.

The “staycation” became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic for health reasons, and it continues for financial reasons for many people.

“I definitely think twice before driving somewhere, ” said Daniel Gonzales from Santa Clarita. At the base of Stearns Wharf he said, “my cousin is visiting from Mexico so we brought him out here so regardless of gas prices or not we are visiting Santa Barbara.”

On a coastal trip with his family from Ontario, Christopher Acosta said, the gas prices could be a factor in the next few months. He said, “you know Spring break I think people stay close because it is not as long as a period but in the summer with the girls out for so long it will definitely prevent us from going farther in a car that is for sure. “

He has two cars and went for the best mileage. “In the Accord I am getting in the 30’s and in the Pilot I am getting in the low 20’s so that’s another reason why I brought the car and not the SUV!”

An RV traveler Anchie Cote said even when prices are down she is looking to cut fuel costs. “We have discount prices like Love’s or Shell and all that so even with the gas prices low we try to pick. Go to Costco for it or Love’s if we are traveling. “

Key Spring Break Cost Factors:

Gas Prices: jumped more than $1-dollar-a-gallon after the war in Iran began.

Airline flights : higher ticket prices linked to fuel and operational costs have consumers on alert for price jumps.

Hotel costs: In addition to room rates going up, there are sales and transient occupancy taxes that could raise the rate by over 20 percent. Plus some parking fees in excess of $40-dollars at some hotels.

Reduced Income: Rising costs for fuel, flights and hotels come as costs for months have impacted budgets across America.

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Patricia Martellotti

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – It’s playtime at the LEAP Children’s Center in Goleta.

Kids are concentrating on having fun.

That’s what you’d expect at a children’s center.

But after a mother spotted immigration agents outside her home in Santa Barbara, she brought her preschooler to LEAP.

“He wouldn’t let go of his mother‘s legs, and he was terrified,” said community engagement specialist Laura Costilla of LEAP.

Staff reassured the three-year-old, helping him calm down.

“I was able to point out the security system that we have in place and he was able to calm down then and go back into his classroom …. And try to have a normal day with his teacher,” said Costilla.

“His teachers provided safety for him and just made him feel safe that he could talk about it,” said CEO Lori Goodman of LEAP.

Days later, the child drew a picture, showing he was beginning to recover.

“I think it captures both the fear and the safety,” said Goodman.

More families are coming in shaken, struggling with immigration fears and financial pressure.

The LEAP team hopes to continue providing any services needed for the safety of their kids.

“I hope for the future is that we do what we can. We know those positive relationships positive childhood experiences work,” said Goodman.

The organization is building partnerships with local schools to reach families sooner.

“I hope they can continue to live in a world where they don’t have to live in fear,” said Costilla.

Now, LEAP is ensuring every child in Goleta feels safe — no matter what happens beyond its doors.

The LEAP children’s center focuses on creating a safe and welcoming space, especially for the youngest residents.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The second annual Excellence In Education awards gala recognized the work of some of Santa Maria-Bonita’s top district educators.

This is a new tradition to recognize teachers and other school employees who go above and beyond the call of duty.

The awards come in three categories, acknowledging Classified Employees such as custodians and aides, Certificated Employees—the teachers, coaches, and licensed mentors—and Administrative Employees like principals and district officials.

The formal gala took place on Friday night at the Santa Maria Fairpark Convention Center, acknowledging the work of 29 honorees known throughout the district for their outstanding contributions.

“I knew that I was being recognized for being one of four, administrators in our district that were being honored, but I had no idea that I would get the top honor,” says Katie Ibarra, one of the top winners who works for the district.

Top winners were announced at the gala, including Katie Ibarra, Program Specialist For Special Education, who has only held that position for about a year, and Lucy Castaneda, 30-year office manager at El Camino Junior High.

“I’ve been here 32 years of my life, and I wouldn’t leave this school for, for any reason,” says Lucy Castaneda, El Camino Jr. High Office Manager.

Sentiments from the top winners align with the gala’s ultimate mission, which is to foster inspiration and connection as much as to celebrate achievements.

“I wish everybody could be recognized because there’s a lot of people out there,” says Castaneda. “I want to give special thank you’s to my office staff. They’re wonderful, and I love them.”

Honorees say they wouldn’t be winning anything if it weren’t for the people they work with every day.

“I know that the work I do, while I’m not directly, in contact with students anymore, I just know that by supporting my team members, it reaches the students,” says Ibarra.

Schoolsfirst Federal Credit Union is the leading community sponsor of the festive evening with awards presentations, live music, and catered food.

The highlighted honorees say their work is challenging but the rewards go beyond being recognized, and that they view the teams they work with as extended family.

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Michael Yu

VANDENBERG, Calif. (KEYT) Spacex launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base overnight around 4am.

It was the 12th flight for the first stage booster supporting the mission. After stag separation, it made a landing on the Of Course I Still Love You drone ship in the Pacific Ocean.

The rocket carried 119 payloads, including cubesats, microsats, a re-entry vehicle and more.

The next two launches out of Vandenberg are scheduled for April 2nd and 6th.

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Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) Fuel prices including diesel appear to be soaring.

Diesel is more than $8 dollars at some stations

Customers at the Chevron in Ventura paid $8.29 a gallon off Seaward in Ventura on Sunday.

The rise began when the war with Iran started in late February.

Drivers filling up shared their reaction.

Opinions varied.

“It is expensive , muy caro, muy caro, ” said Myrna Gomez as she filled up a bus.

She said it would cost her more than $200 to fill two tanks.

Some people think the state should pause fuel taxes.

Darren Cornea puts the blame on Governor Gavin Newsome, not President Donald Trump.

“It cost me an extra 50 bucks, but I am not blaming Donald because we have to save the country, he had to go do what he had to do, we have to pay a little bit more for the time being so be it,” said Cornea.

Like many people, David Finley is on a Spring Break road trip.

The educator was pulling a camper and needed to fill up with diesel.

“I mean it is crazy, I mean we are camping so we’ve got to go, but can it change a lot of places we choose to go? For sure,” said Finley.

People protested near gas stations during ‘No Kings’ rallies on Saturday in Ventura.

Protesters blame the Trump administration’s decision to go to war with Iran.

Drivers are likely to see more newly purchased electric cars and hybrids on the road.

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