Author: KEYT

Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Amy Weaver has taken the helm as CEO of Direct Relief, the Santa Barbara-based nonprofit known for delivering lifesaving medical aid to vulnerable communities across the globe.

Weaver brings extensive corporate and nonprofit experience to the role. She previously served as president and chief financial officer at Salesforce and was a board member for Habitat for Humanity International. She said her goal now is to apply those strategic and operational skills to maximize human impact.

“I’m going from really focusing on maximizing profits to maximizing human impact,” Weaver said. “But a lot of those skills are the same. It’s strategic focus, it’s financial responsibility, operational excellence. It is a constant focus on innovation, and above all, it’s trust.”

Weaver succeeds Thomas Tighe, who served as CEO for 24 years and led the organization through transformative growth. Under Tighe’s leadership, Direct Relief became the fifth-largest charity in the United States and one of the world’s largest providers of donated medications.

“Direct Relief has been through multiple administrations. We’ve been through a pandemic. There have been multiple civil conflicts around the world. In every case, Direct Relief has navigated them beautifully and only grown,” Weaver said. “That’s what I want to see in the future.”

Since last July, Direct Relief has distributed nearly $2 billion in medical aid, shipped nearly 4 million pounds of medicine and supplies, and delivered close to 300 million doses of medicine worldwide. The organization was recently awarded the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize for its global humanitarian contributions.

“Every pallet of medicine that we ship out, every partnership we make—it’s not just logistics, it’s a lifeline for the people that we serve,” she said. “My role now is to see how we scale that and bring it to even more people.”

Weaver said her decision to take the job amid overlapping global crises was driven by a sense of urgency and opportunity.

“I’ve had quite a few people say, ‘Aren’t you picking the worst moment in history to jump into humanitarian aid?’ But I honestly think it’s the best,” she said. “I mean, the scale, the immensity of the needs right now—and the needs are just growing every single day—but that means the opportunity to make a difference, the opportunity to actually be part of the solution, is even more meaningful.”

She recalled a recent visit from a longtime partner in Haiti that reaffirmed Direct Relief’s reputation for listening first and acting with purpose.

“He said that Direct Relief really stood out to him because we didn’t just send them what we thought they needed—we listened, and we heard what they needed,” Weaver said.

Though Direct Relief operates in more than 100 countries, Weaver emphasized the nonprofit’s deep roots in Santa Barbara, where it was founded 76 years ago.

Weaver said she was inspired by the Direct Relief mural at the Santa Barbara airport when she first visited the area and made it a priority to visit a local clinic early in her tenure. She recently met with Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ Chief Executive Officer Mahdi Ashrafian.

Weaver said she plans to meet with community leaders, clinic directors, and residents to build on Direct Relief’s longstanding relationship with the region.

“It’s really a joy for me to be able to bring these skills to an organization that’s just so deeply human,” she said.

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Mike Klan

FULLERTON, Calif. – Griffin Naess pitched 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball and Ryan Fenn had four hits with 2 RBI as Cal Poly beat host Cal State Fullerton 7-2 to move into the winner’s bracket at the Big West Championship.

The #2 seed Mustangs will play top-seed UC Irvine on Friday at 3 p.m. The Anteaters beat Hawai’i 7-5.

This is a double-elimination tournament with the winner getting an automatic berth into the NCAA Regionals.

The Mustangs scored 3 runs in the second inning to take a 4-0 lead highlighted by a solo home run by Casey Murray Jr.

Ryann Fenn had run-scoring single in that uprising and another RBI in the fifth inning with a double to score Zach Daudet who had 3 hits with 2 runs scored.

Cam Hoiland also had 3 hits for Cal Poly with two runs scored while Dante Vachini had 2 RBI on 2 hits.

Naess scattered 8 hits and struck out 4 for the Mustangs who improve to 38-16.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. –

CIF-State Division 3 Boys Volleyball Regional Semifinal:

Clairemont 3, Santa Ynez 2

CIF-Central Section Division 3 Semifinal Softball:

Pioneer Valley 1, Kerman 0 (PV plays Wasco/Liberty winner in final on May 29)

CIF-Central Section Division 5 Semifinal Softball:

Orcutt Academy 1, Hoover 0 (Orcutt vs Dos Palos in final on May 30).

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Mike Klan

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Pirates came so close to extending this championship boys volleyball season.

But the Pirates lost a heartbreaker to Clairemont of San Diego in a home five-set CIF-State Division 3 Regional Semifinal.

The Pirates fell 20-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25-19, 13-15.

Santa Ynez won the CIF-Central Section Division 2 championship last week and finishes the season 22-4.

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John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – The newest shopping and dining area on the South Coast has opened in Carpinteria with Linden Square.

The project replaces a closed hardware store, small shops and a liquor store from Seventh Street to Eight Street in the heart of town.

Linden Square Co-Owner and Developer Terry Huggins said he started the project concept by getting to know the town, the people, the history and designs that would be a good fit. There is also an economic boost that will significantly help the city. “I would guess that we’re going to be adding at least $600,000 a year to the city’s coffers in the sales tax, maybe higher, and it’ll certainly go up as as the businesses ramp up, the sales.”

Some of the businesses are open and some are finishing their construction and finalizing permits.

Kris Parker at Third Window Brewing is bringing his popular Haley Street concept in Santa Barbara to Carpinteria, with the bar and many tables facing the street. They filled up fast. “The venue itself is incredible. Yes, it is. It’s a great courtyard. How close it is to the beach to the sea breeze. It’s pretty unbelievable”. 

Thursday afternoon it was full of customers enjoying their menu items including some chicken wings that were coming from a smoker on site. Third Window has 27 taps at its bar.

During the opening events and ribbon cutting, Terry Hickey Banks spoke. Her family owned the property. The history was reflected in a piece of art she held up. “This photograph (art) of the original Hickey Brothers General Merchandise store was right here in Carpinteria in the late 1800’s.” The painting was done by John Wullbrandt an honored Carpinteria artist when he was in high school more than 50 years ago.

Huggins of Anacapa Development and Matt LaBrie are the first new owners of the Linden Plaza property in 128 years, taking over from the Hickey Banks Family Trust.

Checking out the various businesses and designs, Deborah Picard said, “it totally fits into Carpinteria in my opinion with the natural organic materials and the flooring.  And it’s just beautiful. It’s definitely a beachy vibe.”

IKatz and Pearls store owner Janet Tanzman said, “I think like they’ll draw more people, which is good for all our other businesses. We have a local business.”

The project is seven blocks from the beach. “It’s a gathering place that captures Caprinteria’s iconic coastal vibe and small-town charm,” says LaBrie.

A corner spot features Channel Islands Surfboards with the top of the line boards made in a manufacturing site around the corner.

Britt Merrick said, “we’ve got everything from, ten-foot nose riders down to high performance fishes like this and high performance surfboards made for the best waves in the world. “It’s a rich surf culture and lifestyle here. And, you know, it’s just such a beautiful place. I think businesses are going to thrive here.” Merrick said he was born in Carpinteria and is happy to be open with his surfboards for sale in the city.

Music in the courtyard is going to be a regular soundtrack for those dining and lounging inside or out.

Local artist Benjamin Anderson’s massive mural honors the natural habitat and wildlife in and around Carpinteria. The six panels on the south side of the building each represent one aspect of Carpinteria’s natural habitat and its animals.

For more information go to: Linden Square 

A news release says the Linden Square tenants include: 

Tina’s:

Tina’s is the little sister restaurant of Bettina in Montecito. With the same naturally leavened crust and creative, thoughtfully sourced toppings, it’s the perfect spot to grab a pizza, salad, and a bottle of wine for enjoying in the courtyard on Linden Ave, at the beach, or for takeaway at home. In addition, Tina’s has a lovely provision shop featuring their meticulously made condiments and sauces, grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, Italian specialty items and a wide assortment of consciously produced organic, biodynamic and natural wines. Come enjoy their delicious simplicity, warm hospitality and the sense of community they’ve come to be known for at Bettina.

Dart’s Coffee:

Erika Carter and David Dart bring their touted Santa Barbara coffee to Carpinteria. It’s coffee to be enjoyed and felt good about – with ethical craft-roasted, sourcing only the finest organic, fair-trade coffee beans from small-lot indigenous farmers. They are passionate about their craft and giving back. A percentage of every bean sold will help sustain artist studios in Santa Barbara’s diverse art districts.

Corazon Cocina:

While growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, Chef Ramon Velazquez’s mother and grandmother taught him how to make traditional Mexican dishes. Now, he creates these meals, inspired by local markets that are traditional but also innovative, using out-of-the-box ideas to keep diners on their toes. Favorites include the cheesy, griddled taco piled with grilled octopus, white shrimp, and avocado. 

Channel Island Surfboards:

Nothing is more quintessentially Central Coast than this! Channel Island Surfboards was founded in 1969 by Al and Terry Merrick in Santa Barbara and has become a leading brand in the surf industry. It is known for its innovative designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and providing surfers worldwide with equipment that enhances performance across all wave conditions. Locals and visitors alike will love the proximity to shopping the diverse range of models catering to various surfing styles and conditions.

Olada Yoga and Pilates:

This locally owned and operated establishment welcomes residents to join a community committed to cultivating joy, connection, and well-being. The studio offers a variety of yoga and reformer pilates classes and a boutique shopping experience in an exquisitely curated environment. 

Third Window Brewing Co. :

Settle in and enjoy a beer from this Santa Barbara-based brewery committed to “the cultivation of local ingredients, our community, and each other.” The diverse menu of delicious food and extensive beer selection makes it the perfect spot for a laid-back Saturday afternoon. Whether craving a crisp lager, a rich stout, or something in between, their brews have it covered. 

MĀCHER:

Hailing from Goleta, with their love of community, owners Lex and Josh created MĀCHER, a small local shop for locals, supporting small-batch artisans and makers from all disciplines. It holds a mix of thoughtful gifts and a curated selection of beautiful, functional, and sustainably made home, baby, and beach goods. This second store, in Carpinteria, continues to inspire gatherings through inviting spaces, beautiful table spreads, and deepening relationships.  

The Shopkeepers:

This popular Santa Barbara Funk Zone store features diverse goods for men and women, including apparel, accessories, home decor, art, and lifestyle products. “Curious Good for Curious People” – enjoy shopping that does not disappoint!

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – More than 1,000 people came together Thursday evening at a candlelight vigil to honor three Dos Pueblos High School students who were tragically killed in a head-on crash on Highway 1.

“You are not alone in this truth, you are not alone in this,” said Principal Bill Woodard, addressing the silent crowd with visible emotion. “To the boys’ families and closest friends — we are here with you. Your pain is our pain, and your sons will always be a part of the Dos Pueblos community.”

The victims — 18-year-old Jake Curtis of Goleta, 17-year-old Michael Ochsner, and 15-year-old Alexander Wood, both of Santa Barbara — worked together in the county’s Junior Lifeguard Program and had spent Sunday at Jalama Beach before the deadly crash.

The Greek Theatre at the school was filled with candlelight, tears, and heartfelt tributes. More than a dozen of the boys’ friends and family members spoke.

“Beautiful ceremony tonight. We are a community that lifts each other up. Much love to the friends and families,” the school wrote in an Instagram post.

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A post shared by Dos Pueblos High School (@dphschargers)

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Allan Hancock College held its commencement ceremony Friday morning for the class of 2025.

Some graduates carry with them some incredible stories.

The 104th graduating class crossed the stage Friday morning to receive their Associates’ degrees.

Families and friends gathered on the college’s football field in beautiful conditions to honor 2025’s graduating class.

“I feel really excited,” says featured graduate Samantha McDonald. It’s almost kind of surreal that this is happening. I started when I was 13 years old and now I just turned 18 and I’m graduating from college.”

Among the graduates highlighted by the college are Samantha McDonald, who just celebrated her 18th birthday on Tuesday, and Josie Mora who had the unique privilege of graduating simultaneously with her daughter.

“Most of the students are younger and with her by my side it made me feel more comfortable,” says Josie Mora, who is graduating with a psychology degree for transfer. “And it’s exciting that we’re graduating together.”

“I’m very proud of her,” says Josie’s daughter and co-graduate Mayra Campa. “She’s helped me through a lot. She’s been my support but I’m glad I managed to support her. I’m very happy with her accomplishments.”

President Kevin Walthers began the ceremony by commenting on the positive “problem” of having too many graduates.

This year, 1,287 graduates are taking home 2,491 degrees and 3,110 certificates of achievement across 116 majors.

“My word of advice is to not let your age stop you from doing what you want to do, even though I was only 13, today, I’ll be graduating with five degrees,” says McDonald.

College officials say one student crossed the stage today having achieved no less than twelve degrees, a testament to perseverance and seizing opportunity.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – One of the biggest yearly events held in Santa Maria rolls into the city today with the arrival of hundreds of cars that are part the 44th Annual West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals.

The popular car show features one-of-a-kind customized cars and will run Friday through Sunday.

Held each Memorial Day weekend, the show attracts hundreds of entries, as well as thousands of visitors to the city.

“We expect to be 800 cars at least registered for the show,” said Randy Bond, West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals representative. “This show is known for custom cars. Custom cars are are any car that has had extensive body modifications to change the the look of them and every one of these cars are considered extreme custom cars. People from all over the world literally bring their custom cars to this show to debut them to the rest of the world, so this show is known for, the greatest custom cars in the world.”

Over the next few days, customized cars will be seen driving all over the city, especially along the busy Broadway corridor around the Historic Santa Maria Inn, which serves as the official host site.

One of the most popular events in the car show is the Friday night cruise along Broadway, which begins at 7 p.m. and is free for spectators to attend.

On Friday morning, several blocks of Broadway were already filled with chairs along the sidewalk as spectators arrived early to save a spot for the show.

“We flew in from Colorado yesterday and got up early this morning to come down here to get seats,” said David Valdez, visiting from Lakewood, Colorado. “I think this is the best show in the country. I love it. I love looking at customs. I think they’re the prettiest cars you could build.”

Over the weekend, the model car show will be held at the Santa Maria Fairpark, where spectators will be able to see all of the cars up close and personal.

An entry fee is required for the model car show, which runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information on the West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals, click here to visit the official website for the event.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Valley is home to a new museum celebrating the Chumash tribe.

The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center opened its doors to the public one week ago.

“My reaction is to have so much joy and excitement,” says Nakia Zavala, Santa Ynez Museum Vice Chair. “And really, it’s the ability to tell our story. I think that’s really important.”

It’s been a long time in the works, and anticipation has been high for the staff as much as the public.

“I was in town for a conference, and I’ve been waiting for so long for the museum to open up,” says Alexandra McCleary, who is visiting from her home in Rancho Cucamonga. “I’m really looking forward to seeing it and visiting it.”

As of May 15th, anyone can visit to observe the artifacts and creations.

“A lot of thought went into the layout of this museum,” says Zavala. “We wanted to make sure that the museum would look like you were up in their local mountains, walking around and you’re able to interact with native plants. And we identify them through our Samala language as well as their English word.”

The gardens are home to native plant species that have been preserved, as well as beautiful water features made from reclaimed water sources in a sustainable and culturally relevant immersive environment.

“The attention to detail is absolutely amazing. I feel like I’ve learned a tremendous amount and love hearing the language spoken as well. I love that,” says McCleary.

The recreated “aps,” which are dome-shaped shelters used by the Chumash, and the museum’s layout, were designed by renowned architect Johnpaul Jones.

Collectors and artisans donated many of the artifacts on display, and one object on temporary display was found on site during construction.

“It’s a stone bowl, and it was found here on site as they were preparing the land for this museum. And we were able to collect it and archive it and curate it for this presentation,” says Zavala.

The center looks forward to welcoming field trips from schools in the area starting this fall.

To learn more about the museum’s hours of operation and admission prices, be sure to visit the museum’s website here.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is seeing an uptick in the number of coyote pups coming into care this year. 

The center generally gets up to two coyotes a year.

But this year, they have received nine coyote pups brought to the center.

Calls are coming from other centers with requests to take more coyote pups.

Animal experts can not speculate as to why there is an increase this year. They will rely on survey and biologist reports to give more insight when they are available. 

In general, coyotes are a pivotal part of the ecosystem, controlling rodent and small mammal populations. They also eat carrion, the dead and decaying flesh of an animal.

The center encourages members of the public to keep cats indoors and keep dogs on 6″ (or less) leash lengths to reduce any conflicts between coyotes and pets. 

They say it’s important to respect the role of coyotes in the environment and are encouraged that people call to help coyotes when they are in distress. 

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