Author: KEYT

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –  The driver in a 2024 hit and run in Santa Barbara will not have a trial. Instead Brock Hoffman has entered a no contest plea Santa Barbara Superior Court.

That is the equivalent of a guilty plea and moves the proceedings into the next phase.

He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death of serious injury. He also admitted to circumstances that can aggravate a felony sentence, such as using great violence.

The victim, Juan Lopez of Santa Barbara, died from multiple injuries in the late night crash on June 29, 2024 at 11:39 p.m. according to the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) at the scene. He was deceased before he could be transported to the hospital. Hoffman turned himself in to the police on July 4 after being identified as the driver. 

Hoffman previously plead not guilty in September 2024.

Hoffman was driving a 1996 Toyota Landcruiser on Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara when Lopez was hit crossing the street. The crash was near apartments and the Santa Barbara City College west campus entrance.

Hoffman stopped but witnesses confirmed he left the scene.

After the vehicle was identified Hoffman spoke with an attorney and surrendered to the Santa Barbara Police Department.

Hoffman posted bail and has not been held in custody.

An eight-page form was presented in court and signed by Hoffman with his plea.

Sentencing is set for December 16th

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Santa Maria has announced its transit system has successfully transitioned its entire fleet of buses to 100% battery-electric vehicles.

The city indicated it believes its Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) system is now just the second in the United States to feature an all-electric fleet.

The announcement follows the recent delivery of six electric buses, boosting the total number within the SMRT fleet to 40.

“These efforts are a reflection of our commitment to prioritizing financial prudence and a focus on long-term security,” SMRT Transit Services Manager Gamaliel Anguiano, Transit Services said in a release. “By converting to an all-electric fleet, we are moving SMRT toward greater independence from volatile global fuel markets and potential supply chain issues while also realizing substantial operating cost savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. This investment in our community’s future is a practical step towards fulfilling our objectives of being a Smart City, Safe City.”

The historic achievement for SMRT completes a four-year initiative by the City of Santa Maria to fully transition all of its buses into a 100 percent battery-electric transit fleet.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The clock is running out for voters to cast their ballots by mail, at a ballot drop box, or make their plan to vote in-person on election day, Tuesday.

For those who are having ballot or voting issues, the election office has added staff members to answer phone calls in person to clarify any issue. That would include last minute registration.

About two weeks ago, roughly 80 percent of the voters who are eligible to participate in the November 4 election in Santa Barbara County still had their ballot, but had not yet mailed it.

The County Elections Office said at that time approximately 52,000 have been returned.

Since then the pace has picked up at all locations, but an estimate of the ultimate turnout would only be a guess, by even elections officials, at this point.

The newest numbers Monday show a turnout rate of about 32 percent. That’s roughly 80,000 votes. For this election there are 250,857 registered voters in the county.

This is a unique election where the ballot in front of voters asks for only one choice.

Proposition 50 concerns congressional redistricting in the state. It was placed on the ballot by the state legislature and specifically focuses on the redistricting process. Officially it is called The Electlon Rigging Response Act.

There are no candidates on the ballot.

At one of the downtown Santa Barbara drop boxes Melinda Brown said, “it’s a special election. It is not common, it is an off year.     I still think there will be a  strong turnout.”

Angel Garcia came from work and had ballots for his family. “Considering what is going on right now, nothing is normal right now.  This is fantastic. I am doing whatever we can.”

At the box by the Santa Barbara City College Garvin Theatre, Thorn Robertson said, “this is the first time I have done the drop off box.  Usually I like the  old fashioned way and going to the actually polling places and thanking the volunteers for what they are doing.”

With the clock winding down, Mimi Mork said, “it has been in my bag for days. I was thinking about getting it in a week ago.”

Coming back into town after being gone, Elissa Ross said she “went through a huge pile of mail and off to mail it. These mid terms are going to be key as a vision into the next election.”

These voters don’t want to be on the sidelines. “I strongly believe that everybody gets involved and take the time and vote. People feel my vote won’t count  I am just one person.  NO every vote counts,”   said Stella Ybarra.

A “Yes” vote would allow the state to temporarily use new, legislatively drawn congressional district maps for elections beginning in 2026. This would last until the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission redraws the maps following the 2030 U.S. Census.

A “No” vote would keep the current congressional district maps, drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, in place until new maps are adopted after the 2030 Census.

The vote by mail ballot can be returned at a U.S. Post Office mail box, a white special ballot box, or in person on election day at any precinct location or the election office.     

The ballots went out, the first week of October and some filled it out immediately.

The California Secretary of State says voters have options on how to return their ballot. 

Voters can:

Drop off their ballot at a secure designated drop box, polling location, vote center, or county elections office.

Mail in their ballot. Ballots must be post-marked on or before Election Day. If mailing your vote-by-mail ballot, it is recommended that you mail your ballot early. In some locations, mail may not be postmarked by USPS until the following day; it is recommended to get a manual postmark from a postal employee inside your local U.S. Post Office if mailing your ballot on Election Day.

Voters also have the option to vote in-person.

More information about voting options can be found here: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/.

California voters can register to vote or update their voter registration online at: registertovote.ca.gov.

Voters who are unsure of their voter registration status can quickly check it online at: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.

Upcoming California key deadlines and dates for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election can be found at: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/statewide-special-nov-4-2025/key-dates-and-deadlines.

The last day to register to vote online was October 20, 2025.

Same day (conditional) registration will be available October 21, 2025 – November 4, 2025 https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

(More details, photos and video will be added here later today.)

La Oficina Electoral del Condado de Santa Bárbara recuerda a los votantes las opciones de devolución de boletas Las oficinas de Santa María y Santa Bárbara servirán como centros de votación el día de las elecciones, 4 de noviembre de 2025.

(SANTA BÁRBARA, Calif.). El Secretario a cargo del Registro de Votantes del Condado de Santa Bárbara, Joe Holland, les recuerda a los votantes que, a medida que se acerca la Elección Electoral del Condado del martes 4 de noviembre de 2025, existen varias opciones de devolver su boleta para que pueda incluirse en el recuento.

“Todos los votantes registrados en el Condado de Santa Bárbara recibieron una boleta oficial de voto por correo, junto con materiales de votación a principios de octubre”, afirmó Holland. “Ahora es el momento de devolver la boleta”.

Después de marcar sus selecciones, los votantes deben ingresar la boleta en el sobre de devolución que fue proporcionado, sellarlo, firmarlo y escribir la fecha en el sobre. “Es fundamental que el sobre de devolución esté firmado”, enfatizó Holland. “Cada firma en la boleta se verifica con la firma de registro del votante para validar la boleta antes de que se cuente”. Maneras de devolver una boleta.

Por correo: las boletas pueden ser devueltas a través del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos. No se requiere franqueo siempre y cuando estén selladas a más tardar el Día de las Elecciones, 4 de noviembre. El Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos invita a los votantes a enviar sus boletas por correo con antelación para asegurar la entrega oportuna para el procesamiento y el conteo.

En las urnas oficiales: las urnas seguras están ubicadas en todo el Condado de Santa Bárbara y están disponibles las 24 horas del día hasta las 8 p.m. el Día de las Elecciones. Puede encontrar la lista de las ubicaciones oficiales de las urnas en Urna ubicada en Allan Hancock en Santa María cada boleta enviada por correo y está publicada en sbcvote.com.

Votar en persona: aunque todos los votantes registrados reciben una boleta de voto por correo, aquellos que prefieren votar en persona pueden hacerlo en su centro de votación asignado el día de las elecciones. Hay más de 50 centros de votación ubicados en todo el condado para asistir a los votantes el Día de las Elecciones. Los votantes pueden encontrar su centro de votación visitando sbcvote.com e ingresando su dirección residencial.

La Oficina de Elecciones de Santa Bárbara ubicada en 4440-A Calle Real en Santa Bárbara y la de Santa María en 511 Lakeside Parkway en Santa María servirán como centros de votación de servicio completo el día de las elecciones, martes 4 de noviembre, de 7 a. m. a 8 p. m.

Para obtener más información:Los votantes tienen muchas opciones para obtener información electoral. El personal electoral está disponible para apoyar por teléfono al (800) 722-8683, a través del sitio web de la Oficina Electoral, https://www.countyofsb.org/164/Elections, y por correo electrónico a electionsupport@countyofsb.org.

Además, la Oficina Electoral de Santa Bárbara ubicada en 4440-A Calle Real en Santa Bárbara está abierta de lunes a viernes de 8 a. m. a 5 p. m. La oficina también abrirá el sábado 1 de noviembre, de 9 a. m. a 2 p. m.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Sanctuary Centers is already seeing a sharp rise in new patients.

“It’s gotten increasingly busy in my role as a therapist … seeing a lot more people a lot more diverse, backgrounds, and documented on sheltered … speaking to the types of people and the type of community we see here,” said associate marriage and family therapist Daisy Cruz-Dominguez of the Integrated Health Clinic in Santa Barbara.

A new federal policy is blocking county clinics from treating Medi-Cal patients who don’t meet immigration status rules — driving thousands to seek care elsewhere.

“Many undocumented and even some DACA recipients are being told they are not allowed to see their Primary Care Doctor anymore because of an executive order from the White House that takes effect January 1,” said director Chris Reilly of the Integrated Health Clinic in Santa Barbara.

The clinic on Micheltorena Street plans to take in up to 1,800 of them — providing primary care and mental health services in one place.

“They can come to the integrated health clinic. They’re still welcome here. Their insurance is still here and we are working with their health plan to make a home for them if needed,” said Reilly.

“My concern is that with all the fear and all the stress and all the nervousness around day-to-day life for undocumented folks already this is just going to be another added stressor, but we’re able to provide case management psychiatry, therapy medical resources,” said Cruz-Dominguez.

Staff report the influx is testing limits, but they’re expanding fast.

CenCal Health is placing the rest with other providers.

“My hope is people will come by. Say hi to us … see us get to know us … feel comfortable here and know that for all of the problems that this Community worries about today … healthcare is not one of them that they need to worry about,” said Reilly.

Sanctuary Centers leadership calls uninterrupted patient access the top priority.

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Jarrod Zinn

SOLVANG, Calif. (KEYT) – Discussion has been opened for fixing up older city buildings in Solvang.

The costs are in the millions.

This is the beginning of a larger conversation for the city.

At Solvang’s municipal building, a portion of city administration shares space with the fire department.

Other departments are housed in completely separate buildings.

Solvang is now discussing a multi-million dollar project to update some of its older municipal buildings.

“Longer term, you know, we could see envision a the city core city center here,” says Randy Murphy, Solvang’s City Manager. “Like she said, we have a monopoly. We own all four corners of this intersection. And what it ultimately becomes is limited by our financials in our own imagination, I guess.”

City manager Randy Murphy is working on a campaign to address what he calls inefficiencies and constraints from working in these buildings, some of which are over half a century old.

“One of the challenges is cost,” says Murphy. “Eight and a half to $10 million is a rough order of magnitude for the estimate to construct a new building. And we already own the property.”

City leaders say some updates are needed just to bring these buildings up to current safety code.

“The building is not up to date in terms of code and maybe work work product for productivity, you know, ideal setting for a staff that’s grown since we’ve come out of COVID,” says Elizabeth Orona, Solvang City Council Member.

Members of city council are acknowledging high cost for construction, wanting to make sure the needs are strong enough to warrant a rebuilding project.

“We’re operating at peak staff and at peak productivity, really, because we’ve finally gotten to deliver on a lot of the projects, both operational and capital projects that we wanted to achieve,” says Orona.

City leaders tell me  staff members are doing great work with the resources they have.

This first came up for discussion about a month ago, and there will be more conversation about it in future city council meetings.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Costumes, covers of Pink Floyd and more is what attendees can expect during the Psychedelic Symphony with The Santa Barbara Symphony and Doublewide Kings.

The evening will take you back to the 60s and 70s with tunes in a symphonic twist.

Costumes are encouraged and the surprises seem endless!

The Morning News was joined by Robert Teneyck, Doublewide Kings bassist, and John Simpson, the band’s vocalist for the exciting event and the best way to keep an eye on tickets.

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Tracy Lehr

GOLETA, California. (KEYT) Another Coffee and Community took place at the Stow House in Goleta on Sunday.

The City of Goleta hosted the meet-and- greet to give guests a chance to sit down and talk to elected leaders.

They served coffee and Dia de Los Muertos inspired treats.

 “We have some of our department heads here to just know who they are, to ask questions about projects or about certain things that are going on in the city in a more casual setting.,” said First District Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martin.

Visitors also enjoyed a visit from the Goleta Library Bookvan.

The Stow House also hosted Sundays at the Ranch.

The weekend event is for the whole family.

Guests are able to visit the museum store, the visitors center and listen to live music.

Children enjoy feeding farm animals

“We offer goats, chickens. We have one lamb and a few ducks, and we have free tractor rides every Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.” said Lisa Potter, who serves as the Director of Operations at the Goleta Valley Historical Society.

For more information visit https://goletahistory.org

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Alissa Orozco

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) – Hundreds gathered Saturday for a Día de los Muertos celebration in Oxnard. With them, families brought along flowers, foods, gifts, and shared memories of passed loved ones.

The scene came alive with sights of la flor de cempasúchil, blistering orange petals filled fields, columbariums, and chapels at Santa Clara Cemetery – every corner touched by the spirit of remembrance.

The event kicked off with a noon mass, following by a precession that made its way around the entity of the cemetery. Msgr. Joseph Hernandez lead the community in prayer, commending everyone for coming together as family, while at the same time mourning their own.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a multi-day celebration where the living honor and celebrate those who have passed on to the next life. In Mexico, and around the world, it is believed death is not the end, rather the spirit of those we’ve lost continue to live on as long as we remember them. Día de los Muertos is reminder for families that love is not limited to time on earth, it is eternal and everlasting.

“Dia de los Muertos is a very emotional event, every year, as it is also a celebration of life so it’s wonderful to see all the families gather, bring together all the favorite things, and commemorate their loved ones with music, with the altars, with pictures of their loved ones,” said event host, Marcela Luevanos. “It’s just a beautiful event to be at every year.”

Families gathered to cover headstones in flowers and pictures, and ofrendas of all shapes and sizes were on display around the cemetery. Rows of the personalized altars embodied the souls of the dead – adorned in their photos, favorite foods and drinks, candles, along with pan de muerto and sweets to greet them at their arrival.

“The altars for us are important because that’s where we put the photos of our loved ones, who we are celebrating their lives,” said altar builder, Elvia Ramírez. “For us it’s a way to invite them, so they can be here with us on this day to celebrate. To be together, us and them.”

Although the cemetery is typically a place of lamentation, families could seen smiling and laughing. Gathering at the grave sites to share memories, continue traditions, and reunite with the dead.

“Personally I feel really happy and content, because this celebration is an honor to our loved ones. All the people here I’m sure are also very happy, they are content because we’re all celebrating our loved ones,” said Ramírez. “All of us participating with the same feelings because we’re here to remember. We’re all in the same, celebrating loved ones that are not here but we’re all here together in this cemetery celebrating with one another.”

The celebration continued all day long with mariachi, Folklorico dancers, food, dance, and immense feeling of community.

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Caleb Nguyen

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) – A shooting in Oxnard sent two men to the hospital just after 11:00 p.m. on Halloween night, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

A 22-year-old threatened to fire shots at a party and VCSO deputies treated a victim suffering from gunshot wounds, searching for the suspect at the 2400 block of E. Channel Island Blvd.

Several people fled the area when more gunshots went off and a second person required medical attention, according to the VCSO.

Both people are in stable conditions after treatment and the investigation on the shooting remains ongoing, according to the VCSO.

Those with information on the incident are asked to contact the VCSO at the following number.

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Caleb Nguyen

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) – A house fire in Ventura injured a civilian in West Ventura just after 2:00 a.m. Saturday, according to the Ventura City Fire Department.

VCFD crews put the fire out within 20 minutes and took the patient to a local hospital for their injuries after they complained about smoke inhalation.

VCFD crews stayed for two hours after knocking the fire down and stopped the fire from spreading to other homes.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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