Author: KEYT

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The long awaited Santa Barbara segment of the freeway widening project is on its way.

In the next few week, significant changes will take place. Already there’s been pre-construction work including tree removal.

The project will involve a continuation of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in both direction similar to what drivers see in the previous sections in Montecito and Carpinteria.

There will also be new ramps, including a southbound on ramp at Cabrillo Boulevard and a new crossing for the train. This will end the prolonged problem of a low sitting bridge at Los Patos Way, which has been hit by high profile vehicles many times.

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) will receive an update Thursday morning at its meeting in Santa Barbara.

The widening project has been years in the planning and construction phases based on funding availability and other factors from sources including the federal government and locally approved taxes specifically for this transportation project.

For more information go to: SBCAG

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

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The 78th annual Santa Barbara Orchid Show kicks off March 20th to the 22nd at the Earl Warrens Showgrounds.

The show has fragrance, color and beauty from the moment you walk into the venue. This year’s theme is “Orchid Escape.” The event invites attendees to immerse themselves in a lush paradise where rare and exotic orchids from around the globe transport you to another world.

Show manager, Olivia Sorgman, joins you Morning News to talk about the upcoming show and what to expect.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A group of concerned students supporting Blood Cancer United are hosting a community fundraiser all day (Wednesday) at Renaud’s Bakery on Coast Village Road in Santa Barbara (Montecito).

The benefit is part of their effort to raise funds for blood cancer research.

Students Jack Hyatt from Dos Pueblos High School and Sebastian Fabio from Santa Barbara High are leading a seven-member team participating in Blood Cancer United’s Student Visionaries of the Year campaign.

Croissants for a Cure at Renaud’s on Coast Village Road to raises money for those fighting blood cancer.

Their goal is to raise $200,000 for Blood Cancer Research.

Renaud’s Bakery will donate 20% of sales above what the bakery would typically expect for that day, with proceeds supporting Blood Cancer United’s research initiatives.

“We set a goal of $200,000 in seven weeks, and my thinking behind that was, you make a large goal, and if you don’t hit it, you’ll get close. So, we’re doing pretty good,” said student co-leader Jack Hyatt.

He is working with student Sebastian Fabio who says they have learned as they raise money that blood cancer is, “more common than I thought it was. Everyone’s one or two connections away from blood cancer, which is pretty tragic. But it was the reality. “

The statistics being used in their presentations have made and impact. Hyatt says, “every three minutes, somebody is dying of a blood cancer. And I didn’t realize how prominent it was. I’ve really built an understanding about what this campaign is actually going to do and how it benefits people.”

At Renaud’s the owner was impressed with the effort and wanted to help with a portion of the days income. Renaud Gonthier said, “yes I was very impressed with the presentation. I think it takes a lot of courage when he’s that young to go and talk to business owners and kind of introduce yourself and work a pitch.”

Blood Cancer United, formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, is a global leader in funding research for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. Research funded through the organization has helped significantly improve survival rates for patients over the past several decades.

To donate or learn more, visit https://pages.lls.org/svoy/calso/svoygc26/TeamJackandSebastian.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – It looks like a changing of the guard in the Channel League.

Flynn Chenoweth and Vonn Forrest each scored three goals to lead Santa Barbara past Dos Pueblos 8-5 in an early league showdown.

The back-to-back Channel League champion Chargers saw their 20-game league win streak end that went back to 2023.

Chenoweth scored all three of his goals in the first half as the Dons led 5-2 at the break.

(Parker Mercado helped the Dons to 4 second quarter goals. Entenza Design).

The Dons stretched the lead to 7-3 in the third quarter behind two goals from Forrest to complete his hat-trick as Santa Barbara improved to 5-0 on the year after winning their league opener.

DP is 3-3 on the season and 1-1 in league.

Click here to follow the original article.

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Channel League boys tennis rivalry match was delayed for about an hour due to the heat where temperatures reached 97 degrees.

But once it began the Santa Barbara Dons had too much firepower for San Marcos winning 12-6.

Dons singles players Beckett McManigal and Huxley McGetrick each went 3-0 to lead the way for the victory.

The Royals kept the match behind the doubles team of Jacob Cantrell and Cade Campbell who went 3-0 on the day.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) The city of Santa Barbara hopes to make more money from storefront cannabis sales.

Santa Barbara City Councilmembers voted in favor of a higher cannabis tax on Tuesday.

Customers will pay two percent more in taxes on recreational purchases from stores in the city.

The increase, from 6 to 7 percent, won’t impact medicinal sales.

City administrator Kelly McAdoo said it is intended to help the city balance it’s budget.

“When the cannabis tax rate went into affect initially it was set at 20 percent by the voters, and the council took a small step today to raise it from 6 percent to 8 percent,” said McAdoo.

She expects it to raise a good amount of cash.

“We think it will raise somewhere around $125 to $300,000 a year for the general fund,” said McAdoo.

The cannabis tax increase is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jarrod Zinn

AVILA BEACH, Calif. (KEYT) – The construction of the Avila Beach Drive interchange project is officially completed.

A brief ribbon cutting took place this afternoon, signifying the completion of ten years of process from planning to now.

Last September, the access ramps were reopened when the roundabout was completed, which has successfully smoothed out traffic patterns.

The park-n-ride was the final piece of the project.

Locals as far as Morro Bay including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians have already been vocal about their appreciation of the long-awaited updates.

“There was a time when this intersection, when you crossed it, you felt like you were taking your life in your own hands,” says Dawn Ortiz-Legg, SLO County’s 3rd District Supervisor. “I would say that if there was ever a question about roundabouts, this is a place to come visit to see. When you have five legs coming in to one intersection, this shows you the beauty of a roundabout to slow people down and to be able to not have back up.”

Now it’s providing easier access from Highway 101 to Avila Valley Barn, Sycamore Hot Springs, the Bob Jones Trail, and multiple access points to Avila Beach and Pirates’ Cove.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara’s tech scene is gaining momentum, with startups and engineers driving new ideas that are reshaping the region’s economy.

From emerging companies to established innovators, the Central Coast is becoming a hub for technological growth and opportunity.

That progress will be showcased at the upcoming TechTopia Summit, where local leaders and creators will highlight how innovation is fueling job creation and economic expansion.

The event aims to bring together members of the community to explore the impact of technology across the region.

Organizers are encouraging the public to take part in the event, which is scheduled for March 18th at 2:30 p.m. at OASIS in Goleta.

The summit offers a chance to see firsthand how Santa Barbara’s tech surge is shaping its future.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of San Luis Obispo opened its newest parking garage Tuesday morning with the hope of helping drive more people into the downtown area.

The $43 million structure is located at 609 Palm Street, on the corner of Nipomo and Palm Streets, and adds nearly 400 parking spaces, 41 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, 14 bike lockers and 16 bike parking spaces.

“This is the largest downtown infrastructure investment the City has ever made, and we invite the community to take advantage of this opportunity to park at no cost in the new garage and familiarize themselves with this new gateway to the downtown,” said San Luis Obispo City Manager Whitney McDonald.

“This investment will set the stage for a vibrant Cultural Arts District downtown, will support a variety of transportation options for downtown visitors and employees, and will provide safe overnight parking options for downtown residents.”

Officially known as the “Cultural Arts District Parking Garage,” the building also includes rooftop solar panels to offset energy use and underground utilities to improve reliability, safety, and the surrounding streetscape.

There will also be a rooftop event space that is not yet open to the public.

This marks the City’s fourth downtown parking structure, to go along with two located on Palm Street and the other on Broad Street.

Construction began on this garage more than two years ago in Nov. 2023, coming after the City said was more than 20 years of public engagement, planning and design.

According to a release, the purpose of the project is to increase transportation options for downtown and support a vibrant Cultural Arts District, including the Children’s Museum, History Center, the future SLO Rep Theatre and the expanding SLO Museum of Art.

To help celebrate the opening of the garage, San Luis Obispo is offering free parking for the first 28 days from March 17 to April 13, 2026.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you have plans to fly in the next few weeks, you may encounter more than just Spring Break crowds.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been impacted by a partial government shutdown through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

At the Santa Barbara Airport passengers have been advised to be aware of this on their departure and as they go forward and return from their flights, for as long as this problem exists. It varies by the passenger load and the airports.

The mood was positive in Santa Barbara for both passengers departing and arriving, with a smooth flow and no serious impacts at this terminal.

According to CNN, security checkpoints at airports nationwide are now experiencing longer-than-usual wait times.

The partial shutdown started in mid-February. Senate Democrats want changes to the DHS before approving more money to the department. DHS is embroiled in controversial actions nationwide with its immigration enforcement policy.

The nation is also dealing with a see-saw weather pattern and that includes ice, rain and snow in some parts of the country – also responsible for flight delays.

Adam Rothstein is a traveler that came in from Detroit. He said, “the lines were a little long, it’s Spring Break season but this morning at the Detroit Airport I had a flight at 8 a.m. the lines were a little longer than they are normally .”

Another passenger thawed out from the chill of the East Coast as she came west and landed in 90 degree weather. Her flight was on time but others were waiting for hours. Cairstin Mills said, “at JFK in New York there were a lot of people sleeping who had gotten there yesterday and who had flights that were cancelled.”

Getting set to go back to Cleveland after a stay in Ventura with a flight out of Santa Barbara one traveler said he was in a plane several times in the last five weeks.

Robin Harbage said, “my general assumption is travel is actually down because people are worried about it so they are traveling less. We have less to fight against so I think that TSA is probably not as well stocked but we don’t have to fight against a lot of people.” His only delay was with customs when he went out of the country.

As for the TSA agents on the job, one review from Katie Harbage was also without a hitch. “It’s been great, the TSA has been wonderful they have been very friendly , they have been very helpful.”

UC Santa Barbara student Jack Joblan was looking forward to snowboarding back east and said, he was hoping to avoid delays. “A lot of people are calling out sick and a lot of people with the government shut down are not showing up so it is a little concerning. I have pre check so I hope that works, that’s what I am hoping for .”

Leaving any flight issues behind her and heading into the sun or to the beach Mills said, “we landed on time in Salt Lake City and we got the connection and here we are in maybe the most beautiful place in the world. ”

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.