Author: KEYT

Caleb Nguyen

TEMPLETON, Calif. – CAL FIRE SLO crews put out a two to three-acre fire at 2550 Vineyard Drive in Templeton just after 2:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

The forward progress of the fire stopped about 40 minutes after initial ignition and crews will remain on the scene of the fire until 4:00 p.m., detailed CAL FIRE SLO.

The fire threatened no structures and no injuries were reported from the fire, according to CAL FIRE SLO.

Vineyard Road remains closed near the fire and CAL FIRE SLO advises alternate routes for emergency crews to fully contain the fire.

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Labor Day weekend is known as one of the busiest travel times of the year, and Central Coast residents are joining millions nationwide in taking to the skies and the roads. For many, it’s one last getaway before summer comes to an end.

Road congestion expected to peak Friday

AAA projects Seattle, Orlando and New York as the top national destinations this holiday, but locally drivers should brace for slowdowns. The California Highway Patrol is launching its Labor Day holiday enforcement period Friday night, putting extra officers on the road to watch for impaired drivers. Last year, 61 people were killed across California during the holiday, and more than a third of those deaths were DUI-related, according to CHP. Officials are urging drivers to plan a sober ride and to call 911 if they spot someone unsafe behind the wheel.

Travel experts also recommend timing departures carefully to avoid gridlock. Friday, Aug. 29, is expected to be the heaviest day for traffic. The best travel windows are before noon Friday, between 6 and 10 a.m. Saturday, and before 11 a.m. on Sunday. On Labor Day itself, Sept. 1, drivers should aim to hit the road before noon. Check out the road conditions before you head out.

Drivers heading out this Labor Day weekend will see some relief at the pump, with gas prices expected to be the lowest since 2020. Nationally, the average is around $3.15 a gallon, about 14 cents cheaper than last year, according to GasBuddy and the U.S. Energy Information Administration. California remains among the most expensive states, with averages near $4.59 statewide and about $4.59 in Santa Barbara County and $4.64 in Ventura County, AAA reports. Check out local gas prices before you head out.

Airports bracing for record flyers

The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 17.4 million passengers nationwide between Aug. 28 and Sept. 3, making Friday the single busiest air travel day of the holiday stretch. That’s up from 17.1 million last year, marking the busiest Labor Day travel period since before the pandemic.

Here in Santa Barbara, many are flying out for the long weekend, with lower prices easing the impact on wallets. AAA says flights are averaging 6% cheaper than last year, hotels are down 11% and rental cars about 3% less. Gas prices are also holding steady.

At the airport, TSA says travelers will see updated security measures, including family and military-friendly lanes, expanded eligibility for complimentary TSA PreCheck for Gold Star Families, and discounts for military spouses applying for PreCheck.

Weather brings both relief and risks

Marine clouds pushed into the Central Coast early Thursday, with areas of dense fog developing as onshore flow strengthened, Chief Meteorologist Mackenzie Lake said. Some of those clouds may be disrupted as additional moisture from Tropical Storm Juliette arrives, bringing mid- to high-level clouds and humid conditions. Surf looks manageable, but Lake cautions that “there is additional energy in the water so use caution when swimming.”

Tropical impacts fade by Friday, with the Central Coast returning to calm conditions, light winds and pleasant summer temperatures.

“The holiday weekend is shaping up beautifully,” Lake added. “If you have extra days off, make sure to plan something special. We’re looking at clear skies, warm weather and multiple days of sunshine with highs near 75.”

Bottom line for Central Coast travelers

Whether flying out or hitting the road, travel experts say the best advice is to plan ahead, pack your patience, and never drive under the influence.

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Christer Schmidt

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – A vegetation fire is burning in the Santa Maria Riverbed north of Atlantic Place and Bentley Avenue in Santa Maria near Highway 101 and Highway 166.

Wind is driving the fire, now known as the Hutton Fire, and burning from the south to the north in the middle of the riverbed.

The fire is around 20.5 acres as of the time of writing. No structures are currently threatened, according to the first-arriving unit.

Forward progress was stopped as of 3:15 p.m. on Friday. The fire is now 80% contained.

Your News Channel will update you as we learn more.

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Alissa Orozco

VENTURA, Calif. – A Ventura man was booked on multiple charges in a violent sexual assault that reportedly took place near Thille Park earlier in the month.

Ventura County District Attorney, Erik Nasarenko, announced Thursday Kevin Guerrero of Ventura has been charged with forcible rape and kidnapping to commit rape on August 26th.

On August 11th, 2025, a sexual assault of woman was reported near Thrille Park in Ventura. Guerrero is accused of grabbing the woman, who was walking westbound, off the sidewalk and into nearby bushes. Allegedly, Guerrero covered the woman’s mouth as she attempted to call out for help.

Guerrero fled the scene, but was later arrested by police on August 20th.

He made his first court appearance on Tuesday, and his arraignment will continue to September 22, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court.

He is being held in custody with no bail and facing 85 years to life in state prison if convicted on all charges.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Goleta regarding the Fourth Annual Creek Week Art Contest

GOLETA, Calif. – Time is running out to turn in your artwork for Goleta Valley Library’s Fourth Annual Creek Week Art Contest! In celebration of Creek Week (September 20 – 27) the library has partnered with the City of Goleta’s Parks & Recreation Division and Environmental Services Division to invite our community to submit an original work of art in this year’s theme, “Once Upon a Creek: Bringing the Community Together with Art.”

As a reminder, to be included in the contest, bring your artwork to the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) during the following days and times and submit it to Sharon Nigh, Library Assistant and Creek Week Art Contest Coordinator:

Wednesday, September 3 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Senior Lounge

Saturday, September 6 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Classroom 2

Please note that artwork cannot be accepted at GVL Express. If you are unable to drop off your submissions at the Goleta Community Center during these times, please contact Sharon Nigh at snigh@cityofgoleta.gov.

Artists of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in this popular contest. Read below for all the details:

Art Competition Guidelines

All artwork that represents the theme will be accepted.

Submissions will be grouped into three age categories: Adults (18+), Teens (7th-12th grade), and Children (6th grade and below).

Participants may only submit one piece of art. Art must be original, completed solely by the participant.

All mediums accepted (photography, painting, drawing, collage, etc.).

Artwork is not required to be framed but must have the artist’s name and age category on the back.

Submissions must be no larger than 42” in any direction (including frame) and must have a way to be hung on the wall.

Artwork will be scored on relevance to the theme, overall appearance, and originality.

Artwork will be scored by guest judges, who will award a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place award as well as three Honorable Mentions for each age category.

A reception will be held at the Goleta Community Center on Thursday, September 25 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. All participants, along with community members, are invited to attend.

Artwork will remain on display for the community to enjoy through Friday, October 10.

Submissions must be picked up at the Goleta Community Center during the following days and times: Wednesdays October 15, 22 and 29 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Senior Lounge as well as Saturday, October 18 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Dining Hall.

Submitted artwork may be used in future marketing efforts. A waiver will be provided at the time of drop-off. Artists have the option to participate without signing a waiver.

We look forward to seeing our community’s creativity come to life to honor Goleta the Goodland!

Traducción al Español:

GOLETA, Calif. – ¡Se acaba el tiempo para entregar su obra de arte para el Cuarto Concurso Anual de Arte de la Semana del Arroyo de la Biblioteca del Valle de Goleta! En celebración de la Semana del Arroyo (del 20 al 27 de septiembre), la biblioteca se ha asociado con la División de Parques y Recreación y la División de Servicios Ambientales de la Ciudad de Goleta para invitar a nuestra comunidad a presentar una obra de arte original con el tema de este año, “Érase una una vez: uniendo a la comunidad con el arte”.

Como recordatorio, para ser incluido en el concurso, traiga su obra de arte al Centro Comunitario Goleta (5679 Hollister Avenue) durante los siguientes días y horarios y envíela a Sharon Nigh, asistente de biblioteca y coordinadora del concurso de arte de la Semana del Arroyo:

Miércoles 3 de septiembre de 2:00 a 4:00 p.m. en el Senior Lounge

Sábado 6 de septiembre de 11:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m. en el Salón 2

Tenga en cuenta que no se pueden aceptar obras de arte en GVL Express. Si no puede dejar sus presentaciones en el Centro Comunitario de Goleta durante estos horarios, comuníquese con Sharon Nigh en snigh@cityofgoleta.gov.

Artistas de todas las edades y niveles de habilidad son bienvenidos a participar en este popular concurso. Lea a continuación para conocer todos los detalles:

Pautas para la competencia de arte

Se aceptarán todas las obras de arte que representen el tema.

Las presentaciones se agruparán en tres categorías de edad: Adultos (18+), Adolescentes (7º12º grado) y Niños (6º grado y menores).

Los participantes solo pueden enviar una obra de arte. El arte debe ser original, completado únicamente por el participante.

Se aceptan todos los medios (fotografía, pintura, dibujo, collage, etc.).

No es necesario enmarcar la obra de arte, pero debe tener el nombre del artista y la categoría de edad en la parte posterior.

Las presentaciones no deben ser más grandes de 42 “en cualquier dirección (incluido el marco) y deben tener una forma de colgarse en la pared.

Las obras de arte se calificarán según la relevancia del tema, la apariencia general y la originalidad.

Las obras de arte serán calificadas por jueces invitados, quienes otorgarán un premio de 1er,

2do y 3er lugar, así como tres menciones honoríficas para cada categoría de edad.

Se llevará a cabo una recepción en el Centro Comunitario de Goleta el jueves 25 de septiembre de 5:30 a 7:00 p.m. Todos los participantes, junto con los miembros de la comunidad, están invitados a asistir.

Las obras de arte permanecerán en exhibición para que la comunidad las disfrute hasta el viernes 10 de octubre.

Las presentaciones deben recogerse en el Centro Comunitario Goleta durante los siguientes días y horarios: miércoles 15, 22 y 29 de octubre de 2:00 a 4:00 p.m. en el Senior Lounge, así como el sábado 18 de octubre de 11:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m. en el comedor.

Las obras de arte enviadas pueden usarse en futuros esfuerzos de marketing. Se proporcionará una exención en el momento de la entrega. Los artistas tienen la opción de participar sin firmar una renuncia.

¡Esperamos ver cómo la creatividad de nuestra comunidad cobra vida para honrar a Goleta la Buena Tierra!

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Alissa Orozco

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. – Two Simi Valley men were arrested in connection with a report of firearm theft at residence.

Officers responded to a residence in the 1400 block of Sycamore in Simi Valley around 9:30pm Wednesday, where a reported firearm theft had taken place. A suspect was spotted allegedly taking off in a gray Honda Accord.

Early Thursday morning, the vehicle was found near Sawyer and Royal. The two men found inside, Joe Higareda of Simi Valley and Ryan Shields of Simi Valley, were arrested and the stolen weapon was recovered.

According the Simi Valley Police Department, Higareda was booked on charges of Grand Theft Firearm (487(d) PC), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (29800 PC), and Carrying a Concealed Firearm in a Vehicle (25400(a)(3) PC).

The investigation is still ongoing.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA,  Calif. –  Supporters on two wheels from the Central Coast are among those gathering in San Diego for a special three-day journey as part of a Suicide Awareness Ride. This is the fifth year.

Rema Raimsford-Hunt boarded a southbound Amtrak train in Santa Barbara Thursday morning at 6:50 a.m. with her bike and friend Joanna Berger from North Hollywood who also had a bike for the journey ahead this weekend.

Their next stop is San Diego to begin the official ride Friday morning with a group of about 50 riders.

“Obviously it is for suicide awareness and helping people who are struggling. I personally have had a friend commit suicide this year. I started out riding for my best friends’s niece who committed suicide,” said Raimsford-Hunt who has riden before and is now in her third year.

The ride will have two days at 100 miles each and the final day will be 50 miles.

It previously went from Santa Barbara to San Diego. This year it is the other direction.

The 3-Day SuicideAwareness Bike Ride, was founded by Victor Banales and Mike Malicdem in 2020. It was going to be a one time ride. It has created a “growing platform for survivors, supporters, and advocates to take action, build community, and speak up about mental health.”

Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. This directly supports mental health programs for veterans. These programs provide life-saving resources such as counseling, peer support, and resilience training to help service members cope with post-traumatic stress, depression, and other invisible wounds of war.

“It is grueling. It is difficult. Everyone is so positive. If you are struggling, the person next to you will motivate you and help you along,” said Raimsford-Hunt.

Joanna Berger of North Hollywood said as she departed, “I started riding because a friend of mine knew the struggles I was going through and gave me a bike.  It changed everything. I started meeting people in the community and  found out about this ride.”

A special saying is also a motivator for Berger who said, “the pain that I will feel going up these hills and mountains and three days of riding my bike is nothing compared to the pain that someone had when  they chose to unalive themselves.”

The ride will finish at the Santa Barbara Dolphin Fountain Sunday around 12:30 p.m. They hope to have many people there to celebrate the arrival from Port Hueneme to Stearns Wharf.

“There is cheering,  there’s crying sometimes.  There is a feeling pf pride and accomplishment.  I think a range of emotion that comes through,” said Berger.

Afterwards the riders are invited for a reception and a meal at Jill’s Place restaurant in Santa Barbara.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Work is now underway to rehabilitate the runway at the Santa Maria Airport (SMX) and is latest in series of improvements coming soon to the facility.

This week construction fully started on the runway project that for the next several weeks will affect some of the operations at the airport.

“We’re reconstructing our main runway,” said SMX General Manager Martin Pehl. “It’s something we’ve been working on for a while. It’s a project that probably should have been done ten years ago. We’re getting it done now and so we’re really excited.”

The project will renovate the first 3,500 feet of the runway, which Pehl said is extremely important to maintain.

“It is where aircraft lands and where it sees the most abuse if you will,” said Pehl. “It’s been needed. We’ve been having some issues with aircraft having their tires damaged. It’s really going to be a benefit to our airport and to the folks that use our facilities.”

Construction is set to last for just over a month and a half and end by Oct. 15, which will create some impact aircraft that use the airport.

“Between now and then, the main runway, we’ll have it open if everything’s going to plan and on the weekends,” said Pehl. “But during the week the main runway would be closed there. Crosswind runway (a smaller side runway) would be open, so it’ll be available for light aircraft.”

In addition to the $5 million runway project, there are other significant additions coming to the airport, including the Planes of Fame museum that broke ground earlier this year and is now under construction.

There is also the much-anticipated return of daily commercial service to SMX beginning on October 15 when American Airlines starts twice-daily flights to Phoenix.

A United States Customs Office is set to return to the airport after having been closed for many years, plus the Radisson Hotel is undergoing an extension renovation project and will be rebranded when work is complete.

Work is also happening right now in the SMX parking lot, which will soon have solar canopies installed, providing shade for cars, as well power benefits for the airport.

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Tracy Lehr

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – A U.S. citizen and Army veteran caught up in a recent Camarillo ICE raid is now suing the federal government.

When ICE agents raided Glass House cannabis farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo on Thursday, July 10, they arrested more than 360 people, including George Retes, a 25-year-old U.S. citizen, Army veteran, and father of two from Ventura.

Retes had been working for Securitas at the guard gate. He said he figured ICE had a job to do—and he had a job to get to.

Retes is suing the government for damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) for unconstitutional detention.

“My goal now is to get accountability for what has happened, not only for me, but for what has continued to happen to everyone else,” said Retes. “Unfortunately it hasn’t stopped, so it’s mainly about getting accountability and bringing attention to what ICE is doing, what the government is doing—just holding those people accountable, because no one is above the law.”

He said it isn’t about the money, although he has lost wages, had to repair his car window, and missed his daughter’s third birthday while in custody.

“The entire training process taught me to stay calm under pressure, and so the entire time I knew not to fight back,” said Retes.

Despite his compliance, Retes said agents pepper sprayed him, broke his car window, and dragged him out of his vehicle. He was detained for three days without explanation or apology.

His attorney, Anya Bidwell, senior attorney at the nonprofit Institute for Justice, said this case is about principle, not payout.

“The only remedy that George can seek for a person in his position, for violation of constitutional rights, is damages,” said Bidwell. “It’s not like George is choosing to sue for damages.”

Retes said it was supposed to be his first day on the 4 p.m. shift rather than the night shift at the Glass House front gate. He intended to show up early, and when he saw the rally while driving up, he still thought he should get to work.

“I still have bills to pay, I still have kids to feed, I still need to make money, I still have a job,” Retes said. “I didn’t think it would be a problem. I didn’t do anything wrong, I wasn’t aggressive. I was just trying to let them know that I was trying to get to work. I am not here protesting, I am not trying to get in your face.”

Retes said he is not involved in partisan politics but feels wronged. He has not returned to work since the incident.

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