Author: KEYT

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA,  Calif. – The newest shuttle service on the Central Coast is on a roll with 12 wheels in motion in downtown Santa Barbara.

That’s three four-wheeled shuttles traveling in a caravan up and down State Street.

They start at the 1200 block of State Street, near the Granada Theatre, and head to the Dolphin fountain at the base of Stearns Wharf. Then the go back to complete the loop.

The “Loop” is also the name of the service.

It is a collaboration between the City of Santa Barbara, the group Friends of State Street, and the SWEEP SB shuttle cart rental service in the Funk Zone.

The carts will run from Thursday to Sunday every weekend until Labor Day. They will be in motion starting at noon until 7 p.m.

Each one can take the driver and five passengers. One of the shuttles is ADA accessible for the mobility challenged.

The temporary service is to see how this can fit into the master plan for State Street, which is currently in the development and design phase. An update is expected soon to the City Council.

One of the first riders said it will be good for the locals, the visitors and those who just need a break from walking.

Robert Michael Garcia was on board when he said, “well I think it is a great idea and for the tourists to get a ride up State. It is a great idea. I love it. I’m going to enjoy it. I know that I hope the tourists and all the other people who walk up and down State enjoy it.”

The shuttles have stops in every block, with special marking on the asphalt and signs on polls.

The rides are free.

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Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— The attack happened Wednesday, May 21st around 4:30 pm at Beanie Babies founder Ty Warner’s mansion on Fairway Road.  Forty two year old Russell Maxwell Phay was arrested after authorities say he jumped from a second-floor window. Officers found Linda Malek-Aslanian severely beaten. She ended up in a coma due to a brain injury, which factored into the charges against Phay. “My heart goes out to the victim and for the victim’s family and what they have to go through, because there’s really no justification or reason that somebody should have to suffer this kind of tragedy,” said Supervising Deputy District Attorney Kevin Weichbrod. Malek- Aslanian worked for Warner’s Hotels and Resorts from 2004 to 2015, according to a Brokercheck report. Phay faces charges including first degree attempted murder, residential burglary with a person present, kidnapping, assault and resisting or delaying a peace officer. If Phay is convicted, he could serve life in prison.  “It is one of the most traumatic events and it’s one of the most traumatic experiences anybody can suffer. Your home is your place of safety. It is where you go to relax, to be with family, and to have it violated in that manner. The California penal Code takes that very seriously as does the district attorney’s office,” said Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch.

Warner was home at the time of the attack, but was unharmed. Phay has a long history of criminal charges and complaints. He also has a no bail warrant out of San Luis Obispo. In a 2014 interview with a San Francisco media outlet Phay, a veteran with a history of mental health issues, expressed belief that he is “salvageable.” The DA’s office says even attempted murder is eligible for mental health diversion. “That’s a potential that the defense could file a mental health diversion petition, and that’s something that we would litigate in court. Mental health can be used as a defense for certain elements. It can be a defense for specific intent crimes, such as the intent to kill. And then it also becomes a sentencing factor. If there is a conviction, mental health issues can be mitigating factors in terms of potential punishment,” said Weichbrod.  A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Monday June 2nd, and the preliminary hearing will be on Tuesday, June 3rd.

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Ryder Christ

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — California has more older adults than at any time in the state’s history, and adults over 60 now represent the fastest-growing demographic, according to the California Department of Aging.

“With about 9 million people aged 60 or older, this is an exciting time in California,” said Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging. “Older Californians are vital members of our workforce, volunteers in our communities, and often grandparents raising grandchildren.”

DeMarois emphasized that aging is not just a number but a stage of life filled with contributions, strength and wisdom. However, she said too many families wait until a crisis to address issues like future care plans or housing preferences.

“We encourage people to start these conversations now, before a crisis hits,” DeMarois said. “Younger family members can ask, ‘What’s important to you?’ And older adults should feel empowered to share their needs and preferences.”

Experts say embracing aging positively can lead to longer and healthier lives. Dr. Anna Chodos, a professor of clinical medicine at UCSF, said studies show those who imagine aging optimistically tend to fare better physically and emotionally.

Laura Carstensen, director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, added that emotional well-being often improves with age.

“Older people are slower to anger, more grateful and more altruistic,” Carstensen said. “It’s one of the best-kept secrets about getting older.”

Experts say staying active and engaged is an essential part of healthy aging. Sue Crivello, a local older adult, credits a senior fitness class with transforming her health and mindset.

“I was almost 200 pounds, and now I’ve lost 61,” Crivello said. “I feel younger now than I did before.”

Tyrone Yip, a volunteer with Self-Help for the Elderly, said staying physically active and contributing to others gives him a sense of purpose.

“I like to volunteer and use my strength,” Yip said. “It gives meaning to my life.”

Doctors and caregivers say independence remains a top priority for many older Californians. Dr. Wynn Canio, a geriatric specialist with Kaiser Permanente, said older patients often express a strong desire to remain in their homes and involved in their own planning — even when cognitive issues arise.

Carlos L. Olivas III, a family caregiver, said cultural values shaped his decision to care for his aging father.

“We’ve always been a multigenerational family,” he said. “It just felt like the right thing to do.”

To support this growing population, the state offers a wide range of services through local Area Agencies on Aging and Caregiver Resource Centers. These programs help individuals and families navigate everything from short-term needs to long-term planning.

“Sometimes someone needs support for a few weeks, sometimes for years,” DeMarois said. “Wherever you are on the journey, there are resources to help.”

For more information on services and support for aging Californians, visit aging.ca.gov.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the Santa Barbara Unified School District regarding the appointment of two new principals for Santa Barbara High School and Adams Elementary.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara Unified School District is excited to announce the appointment of two new principals, following recent Board approvals.

Ed Gomez to Lead Santa Barbara High School

We are thrilled to share that Ed Gomez has been unanimously approved by the Board on May 6, 2025, as the next principal of Santa Barbara High School. 

He replaces Fred Razo, who has been SBHS principal for the past two school years. 

Gomez has been an integral part of the SBHS community, serving as an assistant principal, and we are excited to see him continue to lead and inspire in this new capacity. 

He has been an administrator in SBUSD since 2019, having served as a dean at La Colina and La Cumbre Junior Highs, and an assistant principal at SBCA and La Cumbre Junior High before joining the SBHS staff in 2023.  

Before becoming an administrator, Mr. Gomez taught social science and physical education in secondary schools for 27 years. Twenty of those years were at Santa Paula High School. 

“I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading such an iconic and historic institution. For 150 years, Santa Barbara High School has been a cornerstone in the community. We will continue to build upon the legacy of academic, athletic, and artistic excellence established by generations of Dons students and staff. My goal is to not merely maintain Santa Barbara High School, but to cultivate it to its fullest potential.”

The district has already begun the process to identify his successor as assistant principal.

“Ed Gomez’s extensive experience as an educator and administrator makes him the ideal leader to guide this historic institution into its next chapter,” said Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado. “His commitment to fostering excellence truly resonates with our district’s mission.”

Allison Quijano Appointed Principal of Adams Elementary School

Allison Quijano is the next principal of Adams Elementary. Quijano replaces Kelly Fresh, who served in the role at Adams for the past eight years. 

She’s worked in SBUSD since 2019 as the Secondary English Instructional Support Specialist at the District Office. Quijano has taken leadership roles in several District-wide initiatives, including Ethnic Studies, Universal Access, professional learning, and the development of the Master Plan for Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs).

“I could not be more honored and proud to become the next principal of Adams. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to build on the foundation of a trusting, collaborative, and joyful school that the current Adams administration, staff and families have built,” said Quijano. “I intend to continue a long-term, and systematic approach to disrupting the predictable patterns of student achievement that we see in our schools. Though the work that we have done in secondary is powerful, we need to start earlier.”

Previously, she worked as an instructional coach in Arizona and taught high school English in Denver. She is the mother of former and current Adams Tigers.

“Allison Quijano’s dedication to equitable outcomes and her innovative work in supporting emergent multilingual learners and district-wide initiatives are precisely what Adams Elementary needs,” stated Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado. “Her passion for building strong, collaborative school communities and her commitment to fostering student success from an early age will undoubtedly make a profound impact.”

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – If you’re strolling along the streets of Santa Barbara, you may notice some of the city’s most iconic buildings lit up green for mental health awareness at night.

For one family, these green lights carry an extra special meaning.

“I’ve had a family member who has a mental health disorder. He has been in and out of hospital in and out of jail for various reasons,” said Tom Franklin of Santa Barbara.

Franklin is the President for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Santa Barbara County.

He’s also devoted to a loved one suffering from a life long case of schizophrenia, tied with alcohol abuse.

“You combine alcohol with a mental illness… and you get violence… and just very unreasonable behavior,” said Franklin.

Franklin sought help, without much luck at first.

“And for most of those 14 years, services have been very hit and miss,” said Franklin.

About a month ago, Franklin’s loved one tried to break into his home.

“Right around midnight I heard this big crash. There was a big picture window in the front of our house…and he had broken that window,” said Franklin.

Thanks to the Department of Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access Line, Franklin dialed it and got help right away. 

“Absolutely I was afraid for our safety… in fact, I told my wife to lock herself inside her bedroom,” said Franklin.

His loved one ended up assaulting an officer, and is currently in jail.

Officers of the Santa Barbara Police Department believes Franklin’s family is just one of hundreds affected by mental illness.

“We all know someone if it’s not us. It’s a family member a close friend so I think it touches everyone that touches the community, but also touches the families inside the department,” said chief Kelly Gordon of the Santa Barbara Police Department.

Franklin hopes everyone can turn awareness into action by seeking help for those struggling.

“We definitely have people that are suffering with mental illnesses. We have a lot of families that are suffering. We have a lot of program set up. We have a lot of resources that are out there,” said officer Tommy Diefenthaler of the Santa Barbara Police Department.

Mental health resources are available for people of all ages including kids throughout Santa Barbara County.

“And especially with young children are a Headstart children who were born during Covid times, there was a lot of milestones that were really not reached so we see that now… and we want the community to know that our services are in Spanish as well as English and we do have bicultural staff willing to meet clients and families wherever they’re at,” said clinical services director Nuvia Almanza of CommUnify.

As for Franklin, he is grateful for the local resources here in Santa Barbara County.

“My hope for the community is that they take advantage of the services offered by NAMI, the Mental Wellness Center and the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness … and don’t be afraid if you make a call, and don’t get a response, call again,” said Franklin.

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Alissa Orozco

PISMO BEACH, Calif. – A handful of beaches on the Central Coast are getting the recognition they deserve, and Pismo Beach reels in another big win!

After a just few months after being declared the Best Coastal Small Town, Pismo Beach was named #2 Best Beach in California by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

An iconic location on the Central Coast, Pismo Beach was praised for its laid-back California charm paired with its picturesque ocean views. It was beat out of the #1 spot by another Central Coast location, ‘Olol’koy Beach Park in Oxnard.

Nearby Butterfly Beach in Montecito also made the list at #8, known for its breathtaking views of the Santa Ynez mountains and vibrant marine life.

The top ten winners included:

1. ‘Olol’koy Beach Park (Oxnard Beach Park)

2. Pismo Beach

3. Huntington State Beach

4. Carlsbad State Beach

5. Ventura Beach

6. Crissy Beach

7. Malibu Lagoon State Beach

8. Butterfly Beach

9. Newport Municipal Beach

10. Santa Cruz Main Beach

“With so many incredible beach towns across California, we’re honored to consistently rank among the best,” said Gordon Jackson, Director of Tourism and Events for the Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. “We work hard to make Pismo Beach a truly unique destination that delivers that classic California coastal feeling people come looking for.”

You can view the complete list at USA Today.

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Alissa Orozco

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. – The state of California is restarting a new summer food program to help families make healthy food choices this summer. Maritza Perez from the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department spoke with your News Channel to talk about “SUN Bucks.”

The Summer EBT program known as “SUN Bucks” provides families $40 for food in the months of June, July, and August, totaling $120. The program ensures children have access to nutritional meals and food even when they’re not in school.

“It’s important, certainly to keep the nutrition going, right? A lot of kids getting their food from school, reduced or free lunches, and then in the summertime that goes away. So this helps with that,” Perez explains.

The county says children who qualify for free or reduced lunch at their schools will automatically be mailed the SUN Bucks EBT card. The California Department of Social Services says children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, attending Head Start, and/or are considered a runaway are also categorically eligible and are automatically enrolled. 

Families will have 122 days to use their food benefits, any unused balance that is left over after the 122 days will expire.

“SUN Bucks, you can use them at grocery stores, farmers markets, anywhere that accepts CALfresh benefits. So this is food that is cold, not warmed, not things like vitamins, so things that you find on the shelves, anything with the nutritional label, and that’s cold.”

If you are unsure if your child qualifies for the SUN Bucks program, the county suggests checking in with their school before September 2nd, 2025. Visit the California Department of Social Services website to learn more.

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Dave Alley

NIPOMO, Calif. – The Dana Reserve development in Nipomo will once again need to go through the approval process with San Luis Obispo County leaders following the announcement of a legal settlement this week.

On Wednesday, NKT Development, along with the Nipomo Action Committee (NAC), and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) announced the three sides have reached an agreement to end a lawsuit that was filed by NAC and CNPS soon after the Dana Reserve was approved last year.

The two non-profit organizations filed the suit in an effort to stop the project, citing several concerns, most notably environmental impacts the development would create.

After months of negotiating, the agreement establishes a revised Dana Reserve Specific Plan, which will create a smaller, less environmentally impactful development.

“It’s been a long process,” said Alison Martinez, NAC Director. “We were never about a no project. We’re always about compromise, so we asked for that many times. We’re pleased that the developer came to the table even after the project was approved. We’ve worked for at least six months to try and get some kind of settlement, something that we can all live with and I think we’ve achieved a good compromise.”

“We are happy that we were able to reach a settlement,” said Jocelyn Brennan, Dana Reserve Representative. “We met over several months and there was a lot of give and take in back and forth, compromise and sacrifice, and we have come to agreement that we feel, really addresses the concerns of all parties. I think all parties are really ready and excited for this to move forward. We’re very excited to see homes built.”

One of the biggest elements of the agreement include the reduction in housing units by 229, which equates to an approximately 16% smaller project size.

Another key element of the settlement will be a newly created offsite biological mitigation effort, which the parties said will help support long-term protection of sensitive manzanita habitats outside of the project boundaries.

The new design will now protect additional sensitive plant species and 195 coast live oak trees, as well as contribute financial resources for public benefit specific to Nipomo, which will overseen by the Nipomo Action Committee.

Now that the settlement is in place, the project will once again need to go through the county approval process.

“The changes that were made to the project as part of the settlement, now we’ll go to the county for review,” said Brennan. “They’ll go to the (San Luis Obispo County) Planning Commission and then the Board of Supervisors. We are looking at probably August and September.”

With the timeline still unknown, it’s unclear just how long it will be before any potential construction could begin the large-scale development that would include more than 1,200 housing units, along with commercial properties and other amenities. 

“Every year that passes, home prices go up,” said Brennan. “We’re excited to actually move forward. right? The timing is important and financially, it’s important to move forward with the project, and not only for the project itself, but also for the housing crisis.”

“I think it has been so contentious throughout the years,” said. Martinez. “I understand everybody comes from a different place and we understand that, so we’re really hopeful that as we’ve worked together, that Nipomo can come back together the way it used to be. This was never meant to divide the community, but people need to be heard. They have, opinions and they feel very strongly about Nipomo and that’s a great thing about our community. We have a passion for our own community, so I think that this hopefully will mend some of the bridges.”

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Joey Vergilis

LOMPOC, Calif. – Lompoc High School’s senior running back, Jacob White, is closing out his high school career with a spring to remember.

Just last weekend, White anchored the Lompoc Braves’ 4×400 relay team at the CIF Central Section Masters Meet in Clovis. This weekend, he’ll suit up with the best of the best, representing the Santa Barbara County All-Star team in the 14th annual FCA All-Star Classic.

But perhaps the most meaningful moment is still to come — on June 6, Jacob will walk across the stage and graduate from Lompoc High.

After suffering an injury during his sophomore year, the athlete lost his way. He got mixed up with the wrong crowd, his grades slipped, and he lost focus and motivation.

“I would be like, ‘I don’t need this class to do what I want to do in the future,’ and it ended up in a spiral — not doing work,” White admitted.

Redemption, however, was within reach. With unwavering support from his mom, stepbrother, coach, teachers, and friends, White refocused — both academically and athletically — and began to unlock the potential that had always been inside him.

That commitment became the key to his turnaround.

White said, “Locking in was just breaking old habits, building new good ones, and just accepting that you’ve got to get rid of certain things and stop wasting so much time.”

His lifelong best friend, Izzy Elizondo, put it best:

“He’s been through a lot — I know that he has — and to overcome that, you have to have some kind of courage.”

You can catch Jacob White and Izzy Elizondo back in action one last time on Saturday night at Santa Ynez High School. The duo will suit up for the Santa Barbara County All-Stars in the 14th annual FCA All-Star Football Classic, proudly representing the Lompoc Braves. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The trends may be shifting from those looking for just white sand beaches or pamper-forward resorts. Architecture may be the foundation of some travel plans.

The Visit Santa Barbara 2025 Annual General Meeting made that connection Thursday. It focused on the intersection of hospitality and the architectural heritage of Santa Barbara. 

Local tourism leaders describe how Santa Barbara is one of the perfect locations for that type of offering. Local historian, Neal Graffy, discussed how the city’s architecture was shaped in the 100 years since the 1925 earthquake. The region has Spanish Colonial Revival style buildings in all directions.

Some of the area’s most iconic landmarks, include Old Mission Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

He said tourists began coming to the region for not just the weather but long stays at the new Potter Hotel on the beach and the Arlington Hotel in upper downtown. They needed something to do, and the tourism industry began. “Now we’ve got these people staying for months, two months, three months. What are we going to do? Well, that created our tourism industry, celebrating our natural destinations creeks, canyons, the ocean islands and our man made endeavors at orchards, farms, ranches, the historic adobes, the mission,” said Graffy.

May is California Tourism Month. It celebrates the role of tourism to the Santa Barbara South Coast.

The industry generates more than $2.24 billion annually, including $82.9 million in tax revenue and supports more than 15,000 local jobs.

“As the summer travel season approaches, Visit Santa Barbara’s Annual General Meeting shines a spotlight on the South Coast’s tourism industry,” Kathy Janega-Dykes, president/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, said. “Tourism is essential to the Santa Barbara South Coast, driving economic prosperity, supporting thousands of jobs in a wide variety of businesses and enhancing the vibrancy of our region.”

Janega-Dykes will discussed the state of the South Coast tourism industry and travel trends, followed by a presentation by Neal Graffy on Santa Barbara’s architectural heritage. It commemorates 100 years since the 1925 earthquake that shaped the region’s Spanish Colonial Revival style. 

She says, “from the red-tiled roofs to the white stucco walls, Santa Barbara’s architecture tells a story that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.” “I can’t emphasize enough the role of Santa Barbara’s esthetic and how we stand apart from our coastal competitors. It dominates how we promote the Santa Barbara South Coast today, really spanning from Summerland and Montecito, Santa Barbara and north to Goleta.”

Graffy has written numerous monographs and books on Santa Barbara history and is a guest lecturer and former board member at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. 

Additionally, he has served as chairman of the Santa Barbara County Landmarks Commission and president of the Santa Barbara Corral of Westerners.

In his talk Graffy said before the image of Santa Barbara began evolving to what it is today, “most people thought California and the people back East thought this was a land of horse thieves, desperadoes, and wild Indians.”

He says now, interesting history is in every direction. “I have one tour that’s just a one block tour. I walked a block into history and it takes 45 minutes just to do one block. So there’s just so much that Santa Barbara has to offer with history and also accommodations, of course, which brings our tourists here,” said Graffy.

Part of the event included a sit down talk with Entrepreneur, StonePark Capital founder and hotel owner Andrew Firestone. “We’re going to reinforce the fact that our guests are in somewhere very unique in California, that the architecture, the design, the culture of Santa Barbara is special.   I take it for granted. I’ve been born and bred here. I’ve been here my whole life, and I need to take a look at that.”

Firestone spoke of sharing the past story of Santa Barbara with his workers and help them have a better understanding of the regions history to share with those visiting. In 2022  Santa Barbara welcomed its newest hotel, Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown, a Courtyard by Marriott hotel. It includes the Saint Remy restaurant.

(Firestone and Jess Parker are the founders of StonePark Capital.)

The meeting luncheon was held at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. The museum currently has a special exhibit on the 1925 Earthquake.

For more information go to: Visit Santa Barbara, The Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Courtyard Santa Barbara and StonePark Capital

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