Author: KEYT

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The sixth anniversary of the deadly Conception dive boat fire is on Sept. 2.

On Labor Day, people visited the memorial at the end of the Santa Barbara breakwater to pay their respects.

The dive boat caught fire off Santa Cruz Island before daybreak on Labor Day in 2019.

All 33 passengers and one crew member, who were sleeping below deck, died.

Mick Kronman, who served as Harbor Master at the time, took a seat by the memorial and reflected on the tragedy.

“I was Harbor Master at the time it happened, and I wanted to take the time today—as I do every year—to come here and pay my respects to the people who lost their lives in this unmitigated tragedy,” said Kronman.

He said the disaster prompted a renewed focus on maritime safety improvements. Federal regulators have since adopted new rules requiring enhanced fire detection systems, safer escape routes, and stricter inspections for small passenger vessels.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the fire spread undetected because of the lack of a required night watch. A later report by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives pointed to a plastic trash can on the main deck as the likely origin of the fire, though the exact cause remains undetermined.

Conception Captain Jerry Boylan was convicted of seaman’s manslaughter in 2023 and sentenced to four years in prison. He remains free on bail while his appeal is pending.

Families of victims have also filed wrongful death lawsuits against Truth Aquatics, the company that owned the vessel, as well as the federal government, citing failures to enforce safety rules. Those civil cases remain ongoing.

Trader Joe’s donated flowers for the memorial over the Labor Day weekend, and volunteers are tending to them.

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Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. – Hundreds of people turned out for a Labor Day rally near the Ventura County Government Center.

They stood on every corner and encouraged drivers to honk their horns as they passed by.

Some of the rally participants couldn’t take the heat on the sidewalk and rallied in the shade.

One participant wore an orange jump-suit and painted his face to match.

Others showed off homemade signs.

California Assembly Member Steve Bennett told the crowd he was inspired by the signs as he spoke to the crowd about Labor Day.

“This is the most important Labor Day in my 70 years of living, 74 years of living I might add, this is really an important time because today we are at a tipping point,” said Bennett. “In democracy we may not be able to get control of any of the 3 branches of the federal government if we let Trump and the oligarchs and the billionaires buy and change the rules of the game of democracy that we play by.”

The Democrat from Ventura, who represents the 38th District, urged people to vote in favor of Proposition 50 on Nov. 4.

If passed by a simple majority of voters, it will allow California to create a new Congressional District map that could help Democrats win more seats at a time when Texas is doing the same in hopes of adding five more Republicans to the House of Representatives.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Some people headed to Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden to check out the improvements on Labor Day.

Kim Holmquist has watched the progress while taking her daily walks.

“It is more beautiful now, and it is just fun to go out. All the little paths are tidy, and it’s nice to watch the ducks playing with each other. Some are batting each other and then swimming off together. It is really fun,” said Holmquist.

Volunteers have always tended to the park, and thanks to a $260,000 Community Development Block Grant, it is now more accessible.

People who use wheelchairs will have an easier time on paths that used to be uneven.

The area also has new railings and more places to sit.

The parkland was donated and is named after the daughter of Superior Oil Company founder William Myron Keck.

Alice Bertha Keck Park made the donation anonymously and remained unknown for a couple of years until a dedication followed her death in 1977.

The Fahnestocks recently moved to Santa Barbara and love visiting the garden.

“We noticed it was closed for a while, so I wasn’t sure what was going on. But we’re happy to see it open, and it’s just beautiful here. It reminds me of a European park—it’s just really tranquil,” said Susan Fahnestock.

“It’s nice to come here in the morning and see people walking their dogs. It’s just a really beautiful place, a great thing for the neighborhood and for the community,” said Don Fahnestock.

Visitors can also see restored native plants and flowers in bloom.

And volunteers who help at the garden several times a week—and on the first Saturday of every month—will be celebrated at a Volunteer Appreciation Day on Sept. 6.

Members of the public are welcome to join them and show their appreciation.

For more information visit https://sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov

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Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Paramedics rescued a 51-year-old woman paragliding east of Toro Canyon and took her to Cottage Hospital for moderate injuries Monday, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The woman and her gear were airlifted to the hospital after she crashed into steep and remote terrain just before 1:30 p.m. on Monday, according to the SBCFD.

She was treated by two firefighter paramedics and taken to the hospital at the time listed above, as detailed by the SBCFD.

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News Channel 3-12

ATASCADERO, Calif. – The City of Atascadero and the Central Coast Zoo are excited as the weekend approaches for the 12th Annual “Brew at the Zoo!” This fundraising event will take place on Saturday, September 6th from 5-8 PM!

A fun way to raise money for the Zoo and “Party with Purpose – Sipping to Support Wildlife Conservation!”

A variety of craft beer, wine, cider, seltzer, and distilled spirits will be available at this exclusive evening at the Zoo. Expect a special “Welcome” reception pouring of special spirits, cider and wine as you enter the Zoo (first come, first served)! Guests can expect a wide variety of craft breweries from San Luis Obispo County and the surrounding area. Check out who is participating (& the list continues to grow!):

Ancient Peaks Winery (Santa Margarita)
Marins Vineyard (Lockwood)

Black Market Spirits Central Coast
MEA Wine (Atascadero)

Bristol’s Hard Cider (Atascadero)
Oak and Otter Brewing Company (San Luis Obispo)

Central Coast Brewing (San Luis Obispo)
Pizza Port Brewing (Solana Beach)

Eberle Winery (Paso Robles)
Poisoned Apple (Atascadero)

Fig Mountain Brewing (Buellton)
Shindig Cider (San Luis Obispo)

Firestone Walker Brewing (Paso Robles)
SLO Cider (San Luis Obispo)

Happy Dad Hard Seltzer (Orange County)
Spent Grain Brewing (Atascadero)

Hunt Cellars (Templeton)
Tarantula Hill Brewing (Thousand Oaks)

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards (Avila)
Vignerons Wine (Santa Barbara)

Lone Madrone (Templeton)
Wild Fields Brewhouse (Atascadero)

Maddox Meadery (Paso Robles)

Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for our designated drivers from our food vendors along with plenty of water available for all our guests.

Enjoy special guests, Soloist Amar Singh Sohi, Andrew Sedley Jazz Trio, and The Vibe Setters rockin’ the evening away! Entertainment and music with Medina Light Show and Designs will include games, a costume contest, plus hula hoop and a dance contest, so be ready to win some great prizes too! A variety of food will be available for purchase including everything from tacos to gourmet quesadillas to Greek food, as well as sweets from cookie dough to pies! Plus, attendees will receive a collectible glass and t-shirts available for purchase!

Thank you to our sponsors including Platinum Sponsors Central Coast Carts, Glenns Sales, Rentals & Repairs, Avila Traffic Safety and Mechanics Bank; Gold sponsor: MGP Coatings; Silver Sponsor: Street Side Ale House & Eatery; Friend Sponsors: 5 Star Rain gutters, Fatte’s Pizza, and Radiology Associates. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Zoo’s ongoing education and conservation efforts.

The Central Coast Zoo is one of only 251 total institutions that are accredited by the Association of Zoo’s & Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, educating the public about the natural world, and providing a fun-filled family environment for residents and visitors of the Central Coast of California. Over 100 species of animals call the Zoo home, including red pandas, monkeys, fossa, meerkats, parrots, a variety of reptiles and more.

Online tickets are available NOW for $40 per person (service fee is not included). Designated driver tickets are $15 per person. If not sold out, tickets will be $50 per person at the gate the evening of the event! Don’t delay, purchase your tickets at www.VisitAtascadero.com/BrewattheZoo!

This very special event will be closed to the public and is available only for guests 21 years of age and over (no exceptions). Designated drivers must also be over 21 if attending this event! For information, go to www.centralcoastzoo.org or call the Zoo at (805) 461-5080. See you at Brew at the Zoo!

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the Woods Humane Society regarding their 3rd annual Pets of the Year Calendar Contest

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. –  Woods Humane Society announces its second annual Pets of the Year Calendar Contest, open to public entry from September 1 through September 30, 2025.

Entry into the contest is free. Participants can nominate their pet by creating a page, uploading their pet photo, and asking friends and family to vote by donating to their contest page throughout the month. The top-ten fundraisers will be featured in a beautiful, pet-themed 2026 print calendar. Winners also receive four printed calendars and are featured in a 2026 social media post, email and website post. All contestants who raise a minimum of $25 will win a calendar and will have their pet photo included on the calendar’s collage page.

Woods will unveil the 2026 calendar and winners at the Woods Humane Society Wiggle Waggle Fall Festival on October 25, 2025, where the calendars will be available for sale.

“After enjoying these pet photos and stories on our wall calendar each month for the past two years, we can’t wait to see all of the beautiful nominations celebrating the human-animal bond that come in during this fun contest,” says Woods CEO Emily L’Heureux. “Not only is this such a great chance to honor a beloved family pet, but it is also a unique way to help homeless pets who are still looking for a family. Every vote cast by donating to pets’ pages makes a difference for dogs and cats in need at Woods Humane Society.”

There is no registration fee to participate in Woods Humane Society’s Pets of the Year Calendar Contest. Calendar contestants earn votes with every donation made to their contest pages, and the ten top fundraisers will win a featured spread in the calendar. All contest participants who raise $25 or more will win a print calendar and their pet’s picture in a collage page in the calendar. 

The Pets of the Year contest begins on September 1, 2025 and runs until midnight on September 30, 2025. To read more about the contest rules, prizes, and guidelines, visit www.WoodsHumane.org/Contest.

Woods Humane Society is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 and at 2300 Ramona Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422, and is open to the public daily from 12-5 p.m., with adoption hours from 12-4 p.m. For more information about Woods, visit www.WoodsHumane.org or call (805) 543-9316.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Southern California Edison is considering possible Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) for areas of Santa Barbara County tomorrow.

PSPS are being consider for more than 2,500 customers starting at 3:00pm on September 2nd.

Southern California Edison esta considerando un corte de energia de seguridad publica en partes del Condado de Santa Barbara a partir de las 3pm el 2 de septiembre. Para mas informacion, llame a Southern California Edison al 800-611-1911 o visite https://t.co/h2Amm8v4s3

— SBCountyOEM (@SBCountyOEM) August 31, 2025

High temperatures experienced through Labor Day weekend are expected to continue on the Central Coast through the week. A heat advisory remains in place until 6:00 pm. Tuesday evening for interior areas like Cuyama Valley, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo. 

The map below shows the areas under consideration as of Monday afternoon.

View the full maps and details at SCE.com

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Jarrod Zinn

PISMO BEACH, Calif. – The Labor Day weekend certainly heated things up, and the Central Coast has been welcoming a surge of visitors eager to enjoy the region’s stunning coastline, beach weather, and local shops.

The parks, beaches and shops are all full.

The Central Coast, spanning both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, has been a magnet this holiday weekend. 

With a mild summer up until now, thousands have been flocking here for sun, sand, and relaxation.

Pismo Beach, one of the region’s most popular destinations, is alive with visitors enjoying the beach weather.

“Very busy, a nice influx of, of tourists from the valley, from all over,” says Curtis Gilbert, a server at Cool Cat Cafe. “Normally we get a lot of people from Europe during this time. So it’s been a good mix of Europe and tourists from the valley.”

SLO county officials report a significant increase in visitors this weekend, with many towns having seen their busiest days of the season.

“That’s normal for this time of year,” says Gilbert. “We always expect Labor Day to pick up.”

Local businesses are capitalizing on the influx, offering cold drinks, fresh seafood, and outdoor dining to keep guests comfortable.

“We just revamped our bar menu, so we have a lot of new cocktails,” says Gilbert. “There’s a Lavender Tides and a Peachy Keen, milkshakes, and pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris.”

Despite some high surf advisories for both counties’ beaches, families are building sandcastles, surfers are riding waves, and shoppers are exploring.

“You can feel the current moving from south to north a lot more than it does other times when there’s not that kind of energy in the water,” says San Luis Obispo resident Aaron Beardsley.

Safety measures are in place across the county including hydration stations and shaded rest areas at popular outdoor spots.

Authorities remind everyone to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks from the sun.

As the warm weather continues through the week, the Central Coast is set to remain a top destination for anyone seeking a getaway from warmer inland temperatures.

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Michael Yu

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.- A two-vehicle collision left the two drivers with minor to moderate injuries.

The accident happened at Calzada Ave in the Santa Ynez Valley around 7:00am.

The Sedan driver was transported to Cottage Hospital by ambulance. The SUV driver refused treatment and transportation.

CHP is investigating the cause of the accident.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

The Central Coast has been experiencing hot weather the last few days, perfect for the holiday weekend. For today, the heat will continue. A hot air mass is persistent and keepings things hot over the region. The high pressure system will stay put for the next couple of days over the four corners. Monsoonal moisture will arrive again on Monday night, which will bring back the possibility for thunderstorms in higher terrain areas of Santa Barbara and Ventura county.

A heat advisory remains in place until 6 p.m. Tuesday evening for interior areas like Cuyama Valley, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo. Temperatures may exceed 95 degrees and reach 105 degrees, with overnight lows being on the warmer side. It’s important to stay hydrated and check on loved ones and pets.

A beach hazards statement is in effect until 11 p.m. Monday evening for beaches in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Elevated surf will be 6-7 feet, with dangerous rip currents. For those headed to the beach for the holiday, be sure to use extra caution.

Temperatures today will be toasty! The coasts will be in the 80s, the valleys in the 90s and inland areas reaching triple digits once again.

The good news is – cooling is on the way. While temperatures will still feel warm, many areas will drop 10 degrees by Tuesday. By the end of the week, the hot air mass will start to exit, and the marine layer will return with mild temperatures. Overall, it will be a lovely start to September.

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