Authorities Clarify Orcutt Park “Body Dumping Video” Filmed on Meta Glasses

Jarrod Zinn

ORCUTT, Calif. – A Santa Maria father thought he filmed a woman’s body being dumped in an Orcutt park, but authorities say the video doesn’t show the full picture.

On Tuesday, Michael Zoppo took his young son to Waller Park in Orcutt to play. He was recording his son climbing up a tree with his Meta Glasses, which he bought a couple of months earlier. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a car pull up and, moments later, a woman’s body on the asphalt.

“Right away I wasn’t sure what was happening,” said Zoppo. “We left the scene with an uncertainty too, just because she wasn’t responsive with the paramedics or the sheriff.”

On Friday, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office clarified that the woman in the video was heavily intoxicated, and what the video doesn’t show is that she got out of the car on her own.

“Because I did have a tree obscuring as well but then I just saw a mass like a body mass come out of the car. I didn’t see someone step out of the car. So that was my immediate attention getter was just something fast coming out of the car,” said Zoppo.

Zoppo saw the driver make a wrong turn out of the park, which gave him enough time to call 911 using his Meta Glasses and provide dispatch with a license plate number.

“I felt like that’s what I had to do at the moment. I had to react,” said Zoppo. “There’s someone face down in the asphalt. It’s — do I walk away and leave them there or do I take action?”

First responders were able to arrest the 67-year-old driver before he got away, and a medical crew was able to treat the intoxicated woman.

A Sheriff’s spokesperson said both the driver and the woman had multiple warrants.

The driver was charged with concealing a dirk or dagger, but it is unclear if that was one of the warrants for his arrest. The Northern Santa Barbara County Jail says he is no longer in custody.

It is unclear if the driver was intoxicated too, and the details of the woman’s warrants have not been released.

We will provide further information on this incident as it becomes available.

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Old Mission Santa Barbara makes Progress Towards New ADA Ramp Project

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Every day, Old Mission Santa Barbara attracts visitors from all walks of life. 

“I love the history of it and just visiting and getting to see through it,” said visitor Karen Polati of Old Mission Santa Barbara.

But for some, going up the staircase isn’t easy.

“A temporary solution was achieved many years ago, but it involves a lot of distance,” said Father Joe Schwab of Old Mission Santa Barbara.

So the mission is raising funds to build a new wheelchair ramp.

Several renditions have been created to show what the new ramp would look like. 

“We have an artist rendition beautifully done by Fred Sweeney who’s also an architect … and I think that will attract a lot of people just when they see it. It really is quite beautiful,” said Father Joe.

The ramp will provide access to the mission church that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“I think it’s great. I think the more people that can experience it. You know it’s not just wheelchairs, but anybody has mobility issues would have a much easier time just to be able to have the experience and see the history of it all,” said Polati.

Right now, the mission is looking to raise about $500,000 for the completion of the ramp project.

“Well, I have family members that have been in wheelchairs and I’ve seen the difficulties. They’ve had this will make it easier for people to attend church,” said visitor Kevin McKernan of Old MIssion Santa Barbara.

“If you have walking issues or have a wheelchair or anything like that this will make life a lot easier for them to get into the building,” said Father Joe.

Leaders of old mission Santa Barbara hope the Increased accessibility will allow the mission to continue serving as a spiritual home for our community. 

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The Salvation Army: New Mobile Eye Clinic Thrives after One Year of Service in Ventura County

Patricia Martellotti

VENTURA, Calif. – It’s been about one year since the inception of the new mobile eye clinic at The Salvation Army in Ventura.

Since then, directors of The Salvation Army say the mobile clinic has served more than 1,000 residents throughout the region.

The clinic serves those in need of eye care in several cities including Ventura, Oxnard and Thousand Oaks.

The Salvation Army welcomes donations in order to continue its services for those in need.

For more information, visit The Salvation Army.

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Two Pro-Palestinian Activists Arrested for Vandalism at Cal Poly Administration Building, Three Still At Large

Alissa Orozco

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Two Pro-Palestinian activists were arrested Wednesday afternoon after they and three others stormed a Cal Poly Administration Building and vandalized it.

An email sent out campus-wide yesterday by Cal Poly President, Jeffrey Armstrong, says five pro-Palestinian activists stormed the university’s Financial Aid and Student Accounts office in the Administration Building and began spray painting all over the walls, windows, floors, and computers.

Armstrong states while no one was physically hurt, the incident was “traumatizing for numerous Cal Poly employees and students who were in the office at the time.”

The activists reportedly spray painted various pro-Palestinian phrases: “Free Palestine,” “Free Gaza,” “Cal Poly Divest,” “Let Gaza Live.”

As campus police arrived, the activists fled the scene but two were taken into custody for questioning.

Assistant Vice President of Communications and Media Relations, Matt Lazier, confirmed to your News Channel one of the suspects arrested was a Cal Poly student, while the other had no affiliation with the university.

Multiple people have been arrested on the campus in recent years in protest of the Israel-Hamas War. Eight people were arrested and several other protesters sustained injuries back in January 2024 during a planned pro-Palestine protest.

Most recently, President Armstrong spoke before Congress in May to testify about antisemitic incidents on campus.

“I want to emphasize that our goal is continuous improvement. We will work to give each student the safest possible environment free from discrimination and religious intolerance so they can learn, grow and succeed. We call it being ready day one,” said President Armstrong.

Regarding Wednesday’s incident, Armstrong said in the email, “we will not stand for illegal attacks against our institution, its employees and its students. There is simply zero tolerance for it.”

“Anyone who views this kind of shortsighted, disgusting and illegal activity as acceptable has no place at Cal Poly and will be rooted out.” 

The university asks anyone with information regarding Wednesday’s incident, including the identities of those responsible, to contact the Cal Poly police at 805-756-2281.

Your News Channel has reached out to the university and new information will be added to this web article as it becomes available.

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Approval for More Funds to Widen Highway 101 Could Be Coming this Month

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It’s the final phase, or to some, the final frontier of construction for a highway widening project from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara.

A large portion of the project has been funded, and work up to Summerland has been completed. That has added a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction. It is set for car pooling in the busy morning and evening hours, and open for all drivers the rest of the day.

Work on the Montecito segment is in progress. It also will include an additional lane in each direction.

The last phase is a connection from Montecito to Santa Barbara, all it needs is the last portion of state transportation funds.

That work will include a new southbound on ramp from Cabrillo Blvd, and a new improvements for Union Pacific trains through the area.

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) works with CalTrans and other state agencies on funding, design, and implementation of these projects. SBCAG is made up of leaders from the county and cities within the county.

This year, Mayor Randy Rowse of Santa Barbara is the Chairman of SBCAG.

Rowse says he is awaiting the important phone call about more freeway funding.

Speaking recently about the process, Rowse said, “staff will find out on June 6, I think by 5 o’clock I think that is the witching hour that in fact we got our grant funding  that we are pretty optimistic about. Hopefully I will come back with those big cardboard checks that represents a whole lot of money.” He plans to go to Sacramento for the funds at the end of the month as soon as a date is set.

If all of the pieces come together, SBCAG says the project’s projected timeline has a finish in 2028.

For more information go to: SBCAG

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CIF-State SoCal Regional Semifinal results

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. –

CIF-State SoCal Regional Semifinal Baseball:

Division 3: University City 9, Dos Pueblos 1

CIF-State SoCal Regional Semifinal Softball:

Division 3: Legacy 2, St. Bonaventure 1

Division 5: Orcutt Academy 10, Hueneme 0 (Orcutt will play at Rancho Mirage in Regional Final on Saturday).

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Santa Maria Dad’s Meta Glasses Capture Body Dumping at Orcutt Park While Filming Son

Ryder Christ

EDITORS NOTE: The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office clarified that the woman in the video was heavily intoxicated and that the footage does not show her exiting the car on her own.

ORCUTT, Calif. — When Michael Zoppo of Santa Maria bought his Meta Glasses three months ago, he never expected to capture the body of a woman being dumped while filming his young son at a park.

“I originally got them for sports, youth sports, with my son biking and other activities. I did not expect to film what I saw with them.”

While filming his son climb up a tree at Waller Park in Orcutt, he noticed a man drag a body out of a car in the nearby parking lot.

“I didn’t think it was a dead body originally, just because it looked like the gentleman was talking over them and there was not a lot of movement,” he said, adding he originally thought the man was going to help her.

“Maybe he’s helping her until I saw him drag her out of the way so he could leave, leaving her in the asphalt.”

Zoppo kept calm and acted quickly. When the driver made a wrong turn out of the park, Zoppo used his Meta glasses to discreetly call 911 and relay the car’s license plate number.

“He went left, and in that moment, I kind of took action,” he said. “Called the dispatcher right away… I told them what was happening. I think there’s a lady down in the parking lot.”

Deputies from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office intercepted the vehicle before the man could leave the park. The woman, who appeared unresponsive, was taken away in an ambulance.

“She was not moving or talking when they were trying to ask her questions.”

Zoppo said he had heard of similar body dumpings in the area but said he never imagined witnessing such an event—especially at a public park in the middle of the day.

“There’s kids… I’ve never, in my 35 years of living, seen something like that,” he said. “It’s wild… It happened right here.”

Despite the disturbing experience, Zoppo said he doesn’t want the incident to change how his family views the park.

“It sucks that that happened, but I don’t want that to diminish the community,” he said. “I’ll still be here. I’ll still feed the ducks and the squirrels.”

Zoppo’s advice to parents who may face a similar situation: stay calm and protect your children from seeing disturbing events.

“Just make sure your kid doesn’t see it,” he said. “Because it’s traumatizing for me as an adult to kind of see her—half her clothes pulled down and her face down in the asphalt.”

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Officers have clarified that the woman was intoxicated, and that the Meta glasses did not get her opening the door and getting herself out of the vehicle.

The man and woman both have multiple warrants.

The condition of the woman and the identity of the man have not yet been released by authorities.

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Historic baseball season ends for Dos Pueblos in regional semifinal loss

Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. – Dos Pueblos was the last high school baseball team in the 805 area still playing in the playoffs but the Chargers dream season is finally over.

University City of San Diego scored 4 runs in the first inning and they cruised to a 9-1 victory at DP in a CIF-State SoCal Division 3 regional semifinal game.

The Chargers avoided the shutout with a run-scoring single by pinch-hitter Nick Salcido in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Charlie Potter led DP with two hits and reached base three times.

The loss wraps up an historic season for Dos Pueblos.

The Chargers won five playoff games which included a CIF-Southern Section Division 4 championship game appearance as well the program’s first win in a CIF-State playoff game.

Dos Pueblos(23-12) says goodbye to 12 seniors who certainly left their mark on the program.

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New Restaurant Welcomes Hungry Santa Barbara Customers with Free Burgers

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Win-dow is a new restaurant that has arrived in Santa Barbara from Los Angeles and Long Beach, where it has five locations.

This is the first one outside of that zone, and the owners found Santa Barbara fits their simple, retro feel for the business.

It is a small building on the corner of Chapala Street and Ortega Street. It has been a restaurant off and on for years, but has no dining structure.

It didn’t matter to the first customers.

The grand opening for The Win-dow smashburger menu came with a free double cheeseburger for all customers who made one other purchase.

The menu is very simple. Beyond the burger – either a single or double, with a vegetarian option – there is a fried chicken sandwich, fries, a kale salad and a grain bowl. To refresh your meal, they have shakes and cold drinks. That’s about it.

The South Coast Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting Thursday around 10:45 am, prior to the 11:00 am opening. A line up the street was already cued up.

One of the co-founders, Jeff Goodman said, “we’re one of the original smashburgers in L.A. We opened in 2019 before it blew up into a trend, but our mission was really about better fast food. You can see it is not just burgers, although as you can see we serve a delicious burger. We also serve a killer fried chicken sandwich.”

Other co-founder, Paul Hibler, was not present.

The official logo has a dash in the name. Win-Dow. Goodman said it is for “style.”

Many of the first customers gave their meal a thumbs up, but their stuffed cheeks and smiling facial expressions spoke louder than words.

The cost of a cheeseburger is $4.35. That is considered one of the lowest for this type of popular menu item in the area.

It is a casual restaurant with outside tables for about 50 guests. There’s no enclosure, which will test the weather durability of loyal customers in cold, rainy or windy conditions. That is not expected to be a problem in the start up phase now.

Online ordering is expected to be popular, making The Win-dow a grab and go stop for those looking for a quick filling meal for a fraction of the cost of a larger sit down restaurant.

The restaurant has hired 25 employees.

Wednesday was a private opening for friends and family members who were eating menu items and filling out a sheet to give their review of The Win-dow.

The restaurant will be open seven days a week, with a 9 p.m. closing time.

For more information go to: The Win-dow

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Hello June! Everything Happening this Weekend on the Central Coast

Alissa Orozco

June is here and its officially the start of summer here on the Central Coast. There are inclusive events for everyone in the community that you won’t want to miss out on. Here’s what’s going on this weekend near and far:

SANTA BARBARA – SOUTH COUNTY

Photo: Santa Barbara Zoo

Meet Me in Old Town Goleta ~ Thursday, June 5th in Goleta

📍Goleta Valley Community Center

⏰ 5:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 Invite family and friends to meet you in Old Town! The City of Goleta is hosting three community events to support local businesses in area, and its a great opportunity to explore the heart of Old Town. The evening will have yummy food, games, and live music from East Valley Road! Learn more here.

Zoo Brew ~ Saturday, June 7th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Zoo

⏰ 5:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 Drink beer, Save Wildlife! This 21+ only event invites you to explore the zoo and its wildlife, while enjoying tastings from local breweries and vendors! A general admission ticket includes unlimited tastings, and if you’re a Zoo Brew VIP, appetizers are included too. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will also available for purchase. Learn more here.

World Ocean Day ~ Sunday, June 8th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Zoo

⏰ 10:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 To celebrate World Ocean Day, the Zoo will dedicated the day to its marine wildlife. Keepers will host talks on snowy plovers, otters, and penguins, animal encounters, and other ocean-related activities. All special events will be in included with Zoo admission. Learn more here.

2025 Walk to End Epilepsy ~ Saturday, June 7th in Goleta

📍UC Santa Barbara – Pauley Track

⏰ 9:00am – 12:00pm

🪩 Join in on this community effort to raise awareness and funds for Epilepsy research. You can join in-person or online to help the Epilepsy Foundation reach their goal of $20,000. There is no fee to register, however when you raise $50 or more you’ll earn this year’s official 2025 Walk for Epilepsy – Santa Barbara event merchandise. Learn more here.

19th Annual Los Olivos Jazz & Olive Festival ~ Saturday, June 7th in Los Olivos

📍Lavinia Campbell Park

⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 This annual event brings together what the Santa Ynez Valley is known for: great wine, food, and music. Taste wine from local wineries, listen to world-class, professional jazz musicians, and sample different olive-themed dishes prepared by local chefs. Learn more here.

SANTA MARIA – NORTH COUNTY

Photo: House of Pride & Equality

Santa Maria Pride 2025 ~ Sunday, June 8th in Santa Maria

📍Santa Maria Fairpark

⏰ 11:00am – 5:00pm

🪩 Join in on one of the first of many Pride events on the Central Coast! The theme for this year’s Santa Maria Pride is “Strength in Diversity!” The day will feature a vendor market, resource fair, food trucks, a beer garden, all-ages drag shows, and performances by Forever Green, Mestizo, PCPA, Santa Maria Civic Theatre, Revive Dance Co., and Sparx the DJ. Learn more here.

Flag Day Ceremony ~ Sunday, June 8th in Santa Maria

📍Santa Maria Elks Lodge

⏰ 2:00pm

🪩 The Santa Maria Elks Lodge is celebrating the adoption of the nation’s flag, dating all the way back to 1777. Officer and members will kick off the ceremony at 2:00pm, followed by a cold cut buffet lunch! Learn more here.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Photo: Charles Paddock Zoo

Ice Cream Zoo-fari ~ Saturday, June 7th in Atascadero

📍Charles Paddock Zoo

⏰ 5:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 This family-favorite event lets you eat unlimited ice cream, live music, activities for all ages, and zoo animals! Tickets include full Zoo admission and unlimited sweet treats! Tickets are $16 for 13 years and up; $11 for 3 to 12 yrs., FREE to ages 2 and under. Learn more here.

Pridefest 2025: Paddling with Pride! ~ Saturday, June 7th in Morro Bay

📍Coleman Park Beach

⏰ 11:00am – 2:30pm

🪩 Celebrate Pride Month Central Coast-style with a paddle out! Wear your brightest colors, and paddle to make a community rainbow alongside Padding Paws’ most adorable, adoptable pups. The community is encouraged to bring their own paddle boards, kayaks, and life jackets – though a limited amount will be available to borrow. Learn more here.

SLO Blues Baseball – Fireworks Show ~ Friday, June 6th in San Luis Obispo

📍Sinsheimer Stadium

⏰ 6:00pm

🪩 Come cheer on the San Luis Obispo Blues as they take on the Menlo Park Legends this Friday! The season will run through July, and the team is bringing back many family-favorite events including post-game firework shows! Learn more here.

Family Free Day: Buzzing Beauties ~ Sunday, June 8th in San Luis Obispo

📍San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

⏰ 10:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 Families can enjoy free entry to the botanical garden, and educational activities that focus on our local pollinators. Pack a picnic for the day and enjoy a stroll through the garden. Learn more here.

VENTURA COUNTY

Photo: Downtown Oxnard

7th Seaside Tattoo Show ~ June 6th – 8th in Ventura

📍Ventura County Fairgrounds

⏰ Check for Event Times

🪩 Over 100 licensed tattoo artists & piercers from across the U.S. will come together in Ventura for a three-day celebration of ink, art, and culture! You can get tattooed and/or pierced by some of the best. And for those looking for something a little permeant, henna art and tooth gems will also be available. Learn more here.

15th Annual Beachfront Run ~ Saturday, June 7th in Ventura

📍Ventura Pier

⏰ Check for Race Times

🪩 This weekend, you can take in the scenery of Ventura Beach by signing up for a 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon! Each runner will receive a T-shirt and finishers medal! A variety of vendors and live music will also be onsite, and even if you’re not participating, come cheer on the winners during the awards ceremony. Learn more here.

Camarillo Pride Festival ~ Saturday, June 7th in Camarillo

📍Constitution Park

⏰ 12:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 Camarillo’s 4th Annual Pride Festival will feature a family-friendly event with bounce houses, arts & crafts, music, games, and more! The event will act as a space for love, acceptance, and celebration for those part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more here.

Oxnard Insect Festival ~ Saturday, June 7th in Oxnard

📍Plaza Park

⏰ 10:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 Lovers of all things that squirms, slithers, or buzzes will love this local festival! This is a fun opportunity for families to come together and enjoy insect demonstrations, live music, and food trucks! The festival will feature some special guests this year: crustaceans! Learn more here.

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