Author: KEYT

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) People who live near the Vic Trace Reservoir Replacement Project are concerned about trees.

James Fenkner said he attended the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to speak on behalf of the trees.

“There is a beautiful stone pine there as well as 50 other old trees that have the misfortune of being planted on city property so when you are on city property there are no protections when you are on private property they will bend over backwards to make sure you can’t cut a thing,” said Fenkner.

He has a view of an old Stone Pine Alta Mesa neighbors call the “Mesa Tree.”

Senior Project Manager Kelly Bourque said they looked into saving that and others trees but the footprint of the project won’t allow it.

“Unfortunately in order to accomplish this water infrastructure  project we have to remove some but we protected many and the hope is that this project will last 100 years and that we are improving the habitat on site when the project is over,” said Bourque.

She said they did find a away to save them all, but they plane to plant 75 trees in place of 55 slated for removal.

Most are Red Iron Bark , Holly Leaf Cherry and Blue Elderberry.

They have also consulted with the Ojai Raptor Center to project the wildlife in the area.

The commission voted unanimously in favor of the proposal, but it still needs to be approved by a number of other boards.

Fenkner said more than $100 million will need to be raised to pay for the plan.

Public Works staff said construction would happen between 2028-2030.

No trees will be removed before construction.

 The Street Tree Advisory Committee gave a presentation and asked for feedback.

They said the reservoir that was named after a water superintendent in the early 1900s was constructed in 1956 and is approaching the end of its useful life.

The multi-year project calls for the construction of two new reservoirs to deliver water to the community.

The current reservoir supplies 60 percent of the Santa Barbara’s water supply.

For more information visit, https://VicTrace@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Click here to follow the original article.

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – After sustaining damage from recent storms, the Santa Maria Valley strawberry crop is rebounding and ready to begin its all-important peak season.

“You always start off on a high note, which is we have water in the ground, water in the reservoirs, so we’ll be able to irrigate,” said Satellite Farms owner Randy Sharer, who has farmed the Santa Maria Valley for more than 40 years.

“The precipitation always helps. Rain is pH neutral, so you always begin at a balanced note within your soil profiles, so we’re really optimistic on, what the year looks like for the berry industry.”

While last week’s rain storm has helped in many ways, it also came with some negative impacts too, especially the hail that fell throughout the valley according to Sharer.

“We had, conditions at the end of last week where a hail storm came up the Santa Maria River, really affecting all the crops that we had in the ground, specifically the strawberries,” said Sharer. “Strawberries are not a fortified product. Very light damage really creates an issue, so the damage we had to strip all that fruit off and then just wait for the next push of fruit cycle to make what we can get to the market.”

Sharer indicated the storm damage pushed production at this farm back about two to three weeks.

“There’s a lot more green than reds (berries), said Sharer. “But we’re just now being at the end of February, just getting into the strawberry harvest here along the Central Coast. This is just the beginning of the season, so for the next months you will have fresh strawberries in the markets that you’ll be able to enjoy starting from us starting next week all the way through America’s 250th. By July is when we start to ramp down here along the east side of the Santa Maria Valley. We will be providing consumers with an outstanding product that will actually serve their needs.”

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.

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Parents of Santa Maria-Bonita School District students, campus staff, and community members still have time to help the district shape the future of education.

The community survey for Federal Title IV funds ends this week.

The district is seeking direct input from the community on specific allocations for Title IV funds, which have a narrow focus on health and safety, well-rounded subjects, and effective technology.

In January, your News Channel reported on a similar community survey known as LCAP, which is broadly focused on all district funding for a three-year period.

This Title IV survey is narrowly focused on allocations that provide access to enriched learning experiences and widely ranging subjects in safe and healthy conditions, utilizing technology effectively.

In previous years, the community input from this survey has resulted in the purchase of updated digital technologies designed for higher student engagement.

In addition to your own input, the survey has a function to add emphasis to input from others, allowing the district to determine levels of priority for various issues.

District staff say these surveys are not only critical, they’re invaluable for them to know what’s really important to all parties including parents and the community.

The survey is available on the district’s website which can be accessed by clicking here, and it remains active until this Friday.

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) – The Santa Barbara Zoo is hosting top animal care teams Wednesday for a hands-on workshop dedicated to advancing animal welfare.

Experts from the Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and The Living Desert are coming together to share science-based strategies that improve care across the region.

Tamur, an Amur leopard, will take center stage with a live enrichment demonstration designed to engage his natural hunting instincts.

The event highlights a growing regional effort to exchange knowledge, tools, and techniques that strengthen animal welfare in Southern and Central California zoos

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 COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue team is actively recruiting to increase its members and to be ready to respond to a variety of call outs at any hour of any day.

This could be in the regional area or with other another county’s needs on a mutual response basis.

The all-volunteer Search and Rescue team is often called to local trails for injured or missing hikers. They are used during fire and flood emergencies to reach properties and assess public safety risks or help with evacuations. They have also been used for evidence searches.

The team goes through regular training in all weather conditions including swift water rescues and rope rescues over bridges and on rock formations.

It’s a rapid response team working closely with fire departments, AMR and the Sheriff.

The responders have a fleet of vehicles, fully loaded with gear, safety equipment and supplies for victims they encounter. There is also a full set of communications equipment and authorized connections with other front line agencies via two-way radios.

“You want to help out those people in desperate need and make sure that they come home, to their loved ones, ” said Jason Copus with Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue. “When you do the job and you did it well, and you got somebody home or the medical care that they needed, you know, that you did exactly what you’re trained to do and why you did it.”

Search and Rescue has been on call in Santa Barbara County since the 1970’s.

There are three recruitment meetings coming up. (details below.)

To qualify you have to 

Be at least 18 years old

Be in excellent physical shape

Possess a High School diploma

Have a valid drivers license

Be a US citizen or legal resident

Be of good moral character

Be willing to work as part of a team

No felony convictions

Be willing to commit many hours to the team

For more information go to: Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue

Complete outreach from the Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue via Facebook:

Event by Santa Barbara County Search And Rescue

66 S. San Antonio Road, Santa Barbara, CA, United States, California 93110

Duration: 1 hr 30 min

Public  · Anyone on or off Facebook

Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue Opens Recruitment for 2027 Academy

Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR), the all-volunteer, non-profit organization operating under the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, is now recruiting dedicated individuals for its 2027 academy. For over 60 years, SBCSAR has provided critical 24/7 emergency search and rescue services across the county’s 2,550 square miles and beyond, responding to lost hikers, injured adventurers, swiftwater incidents, technical rope rescues, alpine/snow & ice operations, and more.

Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue is a professional search and rescue team that responds to emergencies throughout Santa Barbara County in coordination with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. SBCSAR’s highly trained volunteers deliver compassionate, professional assistance in wilderness, urban, and mutual aid scenarios, often in partnership with fire departments, U.S. Forest Service, and other agencies.

Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue is seeking individuals who are motivated, reliable, and committed to long-term community service. Membership requires a significant time commitment, beginning with a rigorous academy and continuing throughout a member’s time on the team through training, meetings, and emergency response.

“Being part of SBCSAR is a serious commitment,” said Jason Copus, Recruitment Coordinator for Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue. “Our team trains extensively and responds in challenging environments. Team members gain advanced skills in search techniques, medical response, high-angle rescue, swiftwater operations, human tracking, and more while making a real difference in emergencies. This is not a casual volunteer role. It requires dedication, accountability, and a long-term commitment to serving the community and working as part of a highly disciplined team.”

The 2027 academy is a rigorous six-month program designed to prepare provisional members for the demands of active search and rescue operations. Successful completion of the academy is followed by a one-year probationary period of ongoing training, field experience, and evaluations before full membership.

To apply for the 2027 academy and begin the path to becoming a provisional member, interested individuals must attend one of the upcoming Recruitment Information Meetings. These identical sessions are the required first step: Attendees will learn about team responsibilities, the academy structure, commitment expectations, physical and background requirements, and the full application process. Applications are distributed only at these meetings.

Recruitment Information Meetings (Attend one only – sessions are identical):

Thursday, February 26, 20266:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 4, 20266:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 7, 20269:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Location for all meetings:Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue66 S San Antonio RoadSanta Barbara, CA 93110

Requirements include being at least 18 years old, in excellent physical condition, possessing a high school diploma and valid driver’s license, U.S. citizenship or legal residency, and a strong commitment to team-based training and operations. The selection process involves application submission, interview by recruitment board, thorough background checks, polygraph, and interviews conducted with the Sheriff’s Department.

These meetings offer an opportunity to meet current members, ask questions, view equipment, and hear real stories from the field. No prior experience is required—just motivation, fitness, and a desire to help others.

Individuals who are interested in serving their community, working as part of a highly disciplined team, and committing to the demands of search and rescue are encouraged to learn more about the recruitment process and what it means to be a member of Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue. The information meetings provide an opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the expectations, training, and long-term commitment required to be part of the team.

For more information, visit sbcsar.org/join or email join@sbcsar.org.

In case of emergency, always call 911.

Contact:Recruitment CoordinatorSanta Barbara County Search and Rescuejoin@sbcsar.org 

See less

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) –

High School Boys Volleyball:

Bishop Diego 3, Del Sol 1

Santa Ynez 3, Oxnard 2

Dos Pueblos 3, Oak Park 0

Carpinteria 3, Pacifica 0

Ventura 3, Nordhoff 0

High School Girls Beach Volleyball:

Santa Barbara 5, Oxnard 0

Dos Pueblos 5, Buena 0

High School Softball:

Simi Valley 6, Dos Pueblos 3

San Marcos 18, Del Sol 0

Camarillo 11, Oxnard 4

Click here to follow the original article.

Mike Klan

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KEYT) – Five UCSB pitchers combined for 17 strikeouts as the Gauchos outlasted Loyola Marymount 5-3 in 11 innings for their fourth straight win.

Despite the solid work on the mound, the Gauchos trailed 2-1 heading into the 9th inning but Noah Karliner took care of that with one swing of the bat. He led off with a home run to right and this game would go to extra innings tied at 2.

Each team plated a run in the tenth inning and UCSB took the lead in the 11th inning on a wild throw to first base on a bunt by Corey Nunez. The error allowed Nick Husovsky to score and the Gauchos added another run on a sacrifice fly by Cole Kosciusko.

UCSB pitching did not allow a hit to the Lions until the eighth inning and LMU only totaled 3 hits all game.

Gauchos starter Josh Jannicelli pitched 3 2/3 innings allowing a run without the aid of hit and he struck out seven.

Reliever Donovann Jackson pitched three innings of shutout ball without allowing a hit and he struck out 5.

Raymond Olivas, Chase Hoover and AJ Krodel followed on the mound and held the Lions in check.

Krodel pitched the final two innings to get the win, giving up just one hit and striking out two.

UCSB is now 5-2 on the year and play their next 8 games at home starting Friday against Utah with first pitch at 4:05 p.m.

Click here to follow the original article.

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

CIF SoCal Water Polo Championships Division 1: San Marcos 7, Bishop’s 6: Junior Shea Estabrook snapped a 6-6 tie by scoring a goal with just :34 seconds to play to give the Royals a road win over San Diego’s top team. Harvard-bound goalie Bethany King made 11 blocks for San Marcos who improved to 27-7 on the season.

USC-bound Charlotte Raisin and sophomore Ella Grube each scored 2 goals for the Royals.

Oaks Christian 16, Beckman 13: The Lions, who won the CIF-Southern Section Open Division championship last weekend, will host San Marcos in a CIF-Regional semifinal on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Division 2: Carlsbad 10, Santa Barbara 9: Standout sophomore Jules Horton scored a game-high 6 goals for the Dons who finish their season at 26-10. Madison Thomas scored the final two goals for the visiting Lancers, the game winner coming with :56 seconds left to snap a 9-9 tie.

(Rose Nelley scored the first three goals for the Dons. Entenza Design).

The game was tied at 2 after one quarter and Rose Nelley’s third goal of the game put the Dons up 3-2 early in the second quarter.

Horton scored back-to-back goals to push the lead to 5-2. Her third goal in the second quarter helped the Dons to a 6-4 halftime lead.

Horton scored one a goal in the third quarter but the Dons were down 8-7 after three quarters.

The star Horton tied the game at 8 early in the fourth quarter and her highlight-reel backhanded goal with 4:15 remaining put Santa Barbara up 9-8.

But the offense dried up from there with Horton just missing some contested outside shots as time was winding down.

(Jules Horton put on an offensive show for the Dons scoring her team’s final 6 goals. Entenza Design).

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A proposed ordinance that would adjust the tax rates on cannabis businesses in the city of Santa Barbara is under consideration.

The topic was on the agenda at a special Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday.

“The city council directed staff to look at potentially raising the cannabis rate from what it is right now at 6 percent as a way of generating more revenue to pay for essential services that the city provides to this community,” said Finance Director, Keith DeMartini.

The topic comes at a time when recreational cannabis shops are offering deep discounts.

Some members of the committee don’t want medicinal cannabis sales to be impacted if a hike is approved.

Cannabis taxes are in the 29 percent range when you include state and other taxes.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill that rolled back a statewide cannabis tax hike to help the legal market grow. 

The move kept the state rate at 15 percent.

“The Industry itself is not doing very strong, we can see it from our own cannabis tax revenue,” said DeMartini. “It peaked at about $1.9 million, about five years ago, and ever since then for us it has been declining.” 

Even so, the city is considering a two percent increase.

“Staff recommended raising the rate from six to eight percent,” said DeMartini.

He said voters approved a tax rate that gives the city the authority to raise is as high as 20 percent.

But that is not likely to happen.

“We evaluated a number of economic factors, we think there is a high risk of cannabis businesses going out of business and we obviously don’t want that to occur.”

Cannabis Industry workers at three shops declines to comment.

Numerous customers declined to comment on camera as well, but many said they believe tax hikes drive people to the black market.

The cannabis tax adjustment is going to go before the full Santa Barbara City Council in March.

For more information visit https://santabarbaraca.gov

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

MONTECITO, Calif. – (KEYT) Scissors snip. Glue sticks roll across tables. Students lean over bright sheets of construction paper, building their latest classroom project.

Artificial intelligence is part of the lesson, too.

Inside Cold Spring School in Montecito, educators are embracing AI — but with clear guardrails.

The goal isn’t to replace teachers or fast-track assignments.

It’s to support instruction and deepen student thinking.

Teachers use secure tools like Khanmigo through Khan Academy to customize materials and guide projects.

The technology helps create structure and prompts tailored to individual needs, while students remain in charge of the final work.

“It really helps teachers custom-make materials to meet students where they are,” said teacher Ryan Francisco.

Lessons stay rooted in California academic standards through project-based learning.

In one assignment, students built detailed California maps.

AI helped organize the framework, but every creative decision came from the students themselves.

Principal Amy Alzina says the purpose is balance.

“Our goal is to utilize AI to amplify the voice of teachers and students. It’s not to replace them — it’s to be a thought partner,” Alzina said.

From math concepts like surface area and ratios integrated into STEAM projects, to personalized learning supports, school leaders say they are preparing students for an AI-driven world — without letting technology do the thinking for them.

Scissors in hand. Standards in focus. The future of learning taking shape in Montecito.

Click here to follow the original article.