Author: KEYT

Tracy Lehr

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – Semis, work trucks, sprinter vans, along with some cars and SUVs that use diesel are paying the most at the pumps this week.

Diesel drivers filling up at the 76 on Winchester Canyon and other stations are noticing the difference.

She joins us from the 76 stations off Winchester Canyon.

“Honestly, I haven’t fulled up in the last week and it has exploded even in the last week, but we use diesel for machines, our work trucks – so building, how it is going to affect building in the area, everywhere is going to be astounding,” said Justin Resch of Terra Firma Drilling out of Carpinteria and Ventura.

Some trucks are too big to go the front side of the station so they come the diesel pump back.

Some drivers have prepaid cards but they are still noticing diesel is the highest priced fuel.

But for heavy equipment, like farm trucks, it is more fuel efficient.

“Diesel fluctuates as does gas and right now we are little more expensive, diesel also give this truck about 30-40 percent more economy than unleaded will, so a mile per mile,” said Tom Jones of Atascadero. “That is why big trucks still use it a lot more torque and I can pull a lot more so diesel is still a better value if you do heavy things with the truck.”

“Diesel has pretty much doubled its price in the last three weeks,” says delivery driver, Joshua Pinedo.

Nationwide it has jumped 28 percent since the start of the conflict in Iran.

Pinedo said driving is part of his job, so he has been watching the uptick.

AAA is keeping tracks and report the average for a gallon of diesel is $6.15 in California. Most firetrucks and ships use diesel, too.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A new discovery could help take the bite out of mosquito season.

UC Santa Barbara researchers have identified a taste receptor mosquitoes use to detect fatty acids on human skin.

Those fatty acids are naturally found in our skin oils.

Scientists report the receptor helps guide mosquitoes to their next blood meal.

By understanding how the insects “taste” humans, researchers hope to interrupt the process.

The finding could eventually lead to new repellents designed to block bites before they happen.

“We’ve discovered a taste receptor mosquitoes use to detect fatty acids on human skin, and that opens the door to developing compounds that could block that signal,” said Dr. Craig Montell of UC Santa Barbara.

Montell believes the research could help create more effective ways to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases they spread.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you are worried about the big jump in your monthly gas bill with the recent war-related spike in prices, there are ways you can avoid paying more than you need to.

Some of the prices in Santa Barbara County quickly joined the pattern nationwide in the last ten days with an increase of about 50 cents a gallon. It varies widely. That’s where consumers can still control the pain at the pumps.

The recent increase is connected to the price per barrel of oil which has gone up to, in some cases $120/a barrel, but also dropping back down to $90/a barrel.

That is still higher than where it was been in recent years, including June of 2025 when a barrel was about $62.

One prediction by Goldman Sachs said oil prices could exceed $100/a barrel if there is an “extended disruption” to the Middle East and that is happening now.

To offset the costs, consumers can pay cash, which lowers the price generally by about 10 cents/a gallon. Credit cards usually have an extra charge and that is why there are two rows of prices at the pumps.

You can also change the station you are most familiar with if you are paying more than you want. Some stations still have top tier quality gas, but do not have a nationwide or more “well known” name.

In some cases within less than a mile in Goleta, prices are about a $1.00 difference.

Ben Lyons was filling up his truck at the Fuel Depot on Storke Rd. for one of the cheaper prices in the area despite the increases. He has been in and out of California recently. “Last time I was in Oregon, we’re looking at 2 to 2.99 per gallon. And we’re looking at $3 more (here).” He also uses his phone to locate the lowest prices. “I got a little app to look for the cheapest gas prices. GasBuddy. “

Declan Connors recently realized the impact of the current price surge. “This is my first time filling up in, I think two weeks.And I looked at the prices today, I was shocked. I mean, it’s up, I think $0.40 my memory serves and yeah, that’s that’s not too fun to me.”

Some drivers said they may not have the same Spring break plan coming up as they once considered because of the cost of fuel.

Alexnder Zbinden is looking at the longer range impacts. “Best case scenario, war ends tomorrow and gas prices will still be inflated for a minimum of six weeks. Best thing you can do, maybe buy a little extra right now before prices really spike.”

Other ways to save at the pumps include an app from the station brand that may come with a discount per gallon. Some grocery stores also offer gas price discounts as part of a savings option.

Airline travelers are also watching prices and the possible change based on aviation fuel costs.

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Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County is reporting a sharp decline in homelessness since 2022 when a multifaceted and coordinated strategic plan to address the ongoing issue was created.

During Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, leaders received an update on the County’s Five-Year Plan to Address Homelessness, which covered a period between 2022 through 2027.

According to statistics provided by the San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Division, there has been a 42% reduction in unsheltered homelessness since 2022.

“SLO County is making real progress because our staff, service providers, and community andcity partners are working together to expand housing and strengthen prevention and outreachservices,” said Jimmy Paulding, San Luis Obispo County District 4 Supervisor and Board Chair. “This is a direct result of our collaborative efforts to reduce drug addiction and fight the opioid crisis and address homelessness by expanding supportive housing, mental health services, and drug and alcohol treatment.”

The County also said as it has passed the halfway point of it’s five-year plan, it is on track to meet or exceed all of its stated goals, including the top-line objective of reducing homelessness by 50%.

“The reason this plan is working is because we have been working to build out our affordable housing and the report from our staff showed that we’re really starting to meet those numbers, which is great,” said Paulding. “We’re also providing the interim and permanent supportive housing.”

The County reports a number of both interim and permanent housing units have been built over the two-plus years since the Five-Year Plan was implemented, especially in the past year, including 316 affordable housing units, 63 permanent supportive housing beds and 16 interim shelter beds.

The County reported between 2023 and 2025, 556 affordable housing units have been added, an amount that is more than halfway toward the overall goal of creating 1,667 affordable units by 2027.

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Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – A Lompoc mother who survived a recent hit-and-run on her way to work needs help with her recovery.

She’s also a widow.

Sofia Cortez lost her husband to brain cancer four years ago.

she takes the bus to work at Ridley Cancer Center in Santa Barbara.

“I am the main caretaker of the family now since my late husband passed away,” says Sofia. “I don’t have a car, and so I walk everywhere.”

The incident occurred at 6 a.m. while Sofia was walking to the bus stop here at the corner of Walnut and North Avenue A and Lompoc, just in front of Pier Fitness.

“This is going to put me out of work for a really long time,” says Sofia.

Both of her legs were broken and she suffered serious internal injuries, but survived.

“There was a day that was very, very scary,” says Sofia’s older brother Peter. “But luckily we were able to get through that.”

Cortez is recovering at an extended care facility, with medical bills piling up.

Her family estimates her overall recovery will cost $24,000.

so, her kids started a GoFundMe.

“My son was amazing to start a GoFundMe,” says Sofia.

Sofia and her family say no donation is too small.

“Any donation, whether it’s a small one, whether it’s all you can give, if it’s a generous one, all of it is meaningful and helpful,” says Peter.

Police are currently looking for the driver.

Anyone can donate by visiting Sofia’s GoFundMe page by clicking this link.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – San Marcos girls beach volleyball continued to dominate the Channel League with a 5-0 sweep over rival Santa Barbara.

The Royals are 7-0 in league and 14-1 overall.

No. 1 team of Cora Loomer and Evyn Miller defeated Lola Heckman and Kira Elliott 21-16, 21-16.

(UCLA-bound Cora Loomer scores the point. Entenza Design).

No. 2 team of Reese Paskin and Alina Stapf defeated Blake Saunders and Paylin Marillac 21-17, 21-18.

(#14 Alina Stapf helps the Royals to a season sweep over the Dons. Entenza Design).

Other Royals winners were from the teams of Paige Hoadley/Charlotte Hastings, Jeannie Johnson/Kelsey Rowe, amd Lila Westmacott/Isla McClintock.

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Mike Klan

ORCUTT, Calif. (KEYT) – St. Joseph held off Saugus 60-55 and celebrated a CIF-State Division 2 Regional Final title.

The Knights (17-15) will meet Sierra Pacific (24-11) in the CIF-State championship game on Saturday, March 14th at 2 p.m.

All championship games will be played at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento and broadcast live on Spectrum Networks.

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Mike Klan

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – Ryan Tayman smashed a grand slam in the fourth inning, Braxton Thomas produced his first four-hit game as a Mustang, driving in three runs, and Josh Morano pitched 3 1/3 scoreless and hitless innings for the victory as Cal Poly defeated Fresno State 13-3 on Tuesday night inside Baggett Stadium.

In the first of three midweek meetings between the Central California baseball rivals this season, Cal Poly bounced back from an early 3-1 deficit with two runs in the third inning and, sending nine batters to the plate in both the fourth and fifth frames, compiled back-to-back five-run rallies to win going away.

Cal Poly’s fifth straight victory lifted the Mustangs’ overall record to 9-7. Fresno State suffered its fourth consecutive loss, falling to 7-8.

In the third inning, Cam Hoiland singled and Tayman drew a walk before Thomas singled through the right side of the Bulldog infield, scoring both runners and tying the game at 3-3.

Jake Downing was hit by a pitch in the fourth and Alejandro Garza snapped the tie with a run-scoring double down the right-field line. Hoiland and Casey Murray Jr. both walked to load the bases for Tayman, who sent an 0-1 pitch over the left-field fence for his third home run of the season, four RBIs and an 8-3 Cal Poly advantage.

The Mustang fifth inning featured RBI doubles by Nate Castellon and Thomas, run-scoring singles off the bats of Garza and Tayman, and a Bulldog wild pitch resulting in a 10-run Cal Poly lead.

Neither team scored the rest of the way.

Thomas was 4-for-4 with three singles and a double while Tayman knocked in five runs with his grand slam, double and single. Garza finished with a single and double for two RBIs.

In relief of starter Sean McGrath, Morano (3-0) struck out four and walked one for his third victory of the year. Luke Kalfsbeek and Troy Cooper combined for three scoreless innings to close it out in the opener of a seven-game home stand.

The loss was charged to Moose Cuellar (1-1) as he allowed three runs over two-thirds of an inning. Fresno State used seven pitchers in the non-conference game.

Cal Poly has won eight of its last nine games against Fresno State and 30 of the last 42 matchups. The Bulldogs still lead the all-time series, however, with 121 wins against 74 losses since the first meeting in 1945. The two rematches will be played March 31 and May 12 in Fresno.

Cal Poly, which swept Hawai’i in Honolulu for a 3-0 start in the Big West, continues conference play with a three-game series at home the next two weekends against Cal State Bakersfield (March 13-15) and UC Davis (March 20-22).

(Article courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics)

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Noah Karliner smashed a 3-run home run in the bottom the first inning as UCSB rolled to a 12th straight win, 13-3 over Saint Mary’s in a game shortened to 6 1/2 innings due to the run-rule.

Karliner had 3 RBI and 3 runs scores while William Vasseur also knocked in 3 runs as the 22nd ranked Gauchos improved to 13-2 on the year.

Eleven of the wins in this streak have come at home.

Jonathan Mendez and Rowan Kelly each added 2 RBI as the Gauchos followed up their 3-run first inning with 4 more runs in the third before a 5-run outburst in the sixth inning.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) -On the eve of the Big West Championships the league handed out it’s regular season awards.

Aidan Mahaney was named All-Big West First Team and freshman CJ Shaw received an All-Big West Second Team nod for the Gauchos men’s team.

Zoe Borter earned All-Big West Second Team honors for the Gauchos women’s team and her teammates Olivia Bradley and Skylar Burke were honorable mention.

(Borter is averaging over 15 points per game. Entenza Design).

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