Author: KEYT

Dave Alley

NIPOMO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County continues to seek additional public input in its ongoing effort to update the Nipomo Community Plan.

Last updated more than 30 years ago in 1994, the Nipomo Community Plan is described by the county as a document that establishes a vision for the future that will guide land use and transportation over the next several years.

This past spring, the county kicked off a year-long project to update the plan, which included a community survey that asked respondents what issues, wants and needs they prioritize as most important.

According to results posted by the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, more than 1,200 responses were submitted during the survey that lasted between May 3 and June 10.

Survey results showed traffic congestion is the biggest concern currently in the growing community.

Other top concerns are lack of sidewalks and bike lanes, not enough restaurants and shops, lack of community planning and future growth/housing development.

Now, as the planning project enters another phase, the Department of Planning and Building is seeking additional input from the community with a second three minute online survey.

On Monday night, San Luis Obispo County Fourth District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding, who represents Nipomo, helped provide the community with an update on the project and the new poll at a regularly scheduled meeting of the South County Advisory Council at the Dana Adobe.

“One of the things on the agenda was to promote Community Plan Update, where our planning staff gave a good update as to where we are, kind of the roadmap,” said Paulding “Last night, we actually, showcased another survey that we’re doing that’s trying to really drill and drill down on the things that the community wants to see in the context of this plan update.”

Questions on the second poll include those involving travel choices, pedestrian connectivity, transportation flow and community services.

One of the specific questions asked states, The typical approach of collecting fees from new development in Nipomo could take over 60 years to raise enough money to help pay for a new Highway 101 junction at Southland Street. Do you think it’s important to build this new junction, even if it takes a long time to raise the money for it? Yes or No?

A follow up question respondents are asked is, If a yearly fee or tax for Nipomo property owners is proposed for a new Highway 101 junction at Southland Street🛣️, would you support: (select one of the following): Higher yearly fee or tax and shorter timeframe to build the junction; Lower yearly fee or tax and longer timeframe to build the junction; Neither, I don’t think a new Highway 101 junction is important for Nipomo.

Looking ahead,

“Right now where we are in the process, we’ve done a lot of community engagement,” said Paulding. “We’re going to have our consultants prepare a draft Public Facilities and Infrastructure Financing Plan, and this second survey, we’re really help inform that plan and the consultants work. The plan will then come back to the community and in more community meetings, and then to the Board of Supervisors for review and approval.”

Paulding indicated the plan will likely be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors sometime early next year in the spring 2026.

“This comes before the Board of Supervisors,” said Paulding. “Then we’ll have some really important policy discussions as to what funding mechanisms that we want to utilize to focus on the projects that the community has identified as a priority.”

For more information about the ongoing Nipomo Community Plan or to find the online survey, click here.

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John Palminteri

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. (KEYT) – You won’t see a worried look on the faces of many Central Coast winemakers as they are well into their 2025 harvest and seeing a very good yield.

Many were talking about the global shift in the demand for wine recently trending down from the past, but they are still actively going after their vines and say cycles are traditional in this business.

Owner of Andrew Murray Vineyards, Andrew Murray said at the mid-October Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival, “we’ve got so much fruit ripe. We’ve got 60 percent of our fruit coming in in the next week.”

Despite mixed reviews from other regions or talk of a glut of grapes he says, “we’re growing. I don’t buy into the negativity. We bought a new brand, old brand, Qupe last year and it is up, up, up. I see blue skies,” he said.

Steve Clifton the winemaker at Vega Vineyards said, it is the “longest, mildest, coolest summer we have had since 2010 and all the way back to 2005.”  

He also notes, what ever the weather or demand, the region can pivot. After three decades of experience, Clifton says, “Santa Barbara County has the most diverse wines in one place in the world.”

At festivals and other events he knows there are new wine fans of this region coming in all the time. “It is a beverage that should make every meal better and make every conversation better.”

Even with the consumers looking at different beverage options Clifton says, “Santa Barbara has the most diverse number of wines produced in one place in the world   I mean that sincerely. There’s no other place in such a small proximity that you can grow  so many things them all really, really well.”

Ryan Carr, the owner of Carr Winery has been producing wine in Lompoc and Santa Barbara for years, including in the popular Funk Zone in its early stages. He agrees, there are many dynamics that go into creating the wines from this region. “It’s got such an amazing array of soils and microclimates, it allows us make so many different varietals small area.” He was working on Italian varietals at the time inside his production building and tasting room in downtown.

He says, “Santa Barbara County has a strong foot hold and isn’t going anywhere  and it is making some of the  best wine in the world.”

The region and its winemakers have received many honors for its wine from prestigious publications to regional tasting competitions.

The wine industry has many economic benefits that aren’t always realized during a weekend visit to a tasting room. That includes the boost to the overall economy in hotel stays, restaurant visits, entertainment events, transportation companies and thousands of jobs from the fields to resort properties.

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Jarrod Zinn

BUELLTON, Calif. (KEYT) – The cities of Buellton and Solvang are engaging in a friendly rivalry to raise money for the proposed Santa Ynez Valley Aquatic Complex.

The pool at Santa Ynez Valley High School has been closed to the public for years due to its age, but now Solvang and Buellton are making a big splash in changing that.

“The pool was built in 1965 with Community fund raising by Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation,” says Kyle Abello, spokesman for the Santa Ynez Valley Aquatics Foundation. “It had only been opened in the summers to the public, but now since 2020, it’s been it’s been closed to the public and just used for school events.”

In a $13.7 million campaign to build a two-pool complex, Buellton has just matched Solvang’s $450,000 commitment from June with their own $450 thousand, which was announced at its council meeting on Thursday.

“As Buellton continues to want to lead the way with investment in youth programing, which has been something every community member has said, whether you live in Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, anywhere in the valley, we need more children activities,” says Buellton’s mayor David Silva.

Along with $250,000 from the county, this brings the total funds raised for the complex to $4.5 million.

“We are just so appreciative of Mayor Silva and the Buellton City Council for their support,” says Abello.

Additionally, Buellton mayor David Silva is ratcheting up the friendly competition with their neighbor Solvang, “throwing down the gauntlet” for an additional $50,000 match.

“Solvang, we really hope you’ll meet that $50,000 challenge,” says mayor Silva. “So let’s go ahead and get that going and let’s show the people that we’re going to make this pool happen.”

If the complex continues to gain momentum, private donors may help fill the remaining gaps in funding.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT). – Four awards were handed out during the weekly luncheon at the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table gathering at Harry’s.

The Athlete of the Week honors went to Santa Barbara High School girls tennis player Nicole Buist and Bishop Diego High School football player Oscar Mauia.

Buist rallied to win the Channel League Singles title over childhood friend Mel Mayo.

Mauia rushed for 120 yards with two touchdowns as the Cardinals beat St. Bonaventure 35-27.

The physical running back just returned from a shoulder injury that has caused him to miss most of his senior season.

Dos Pueblos High School junior Logan Pearce was presented the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award.

He plays both basketball and baseball for the Chargers and carries a 4.58 GPA.

Pearce is also a member of the National Honor Society the past two years.

Laguna Blanca High School presented their Athlete of the Year to swimmer Bennett Sullivan.

He won has won three CIF-SS titles and had a 4.75 GPA.

Sullivan will swim at Pomona College next year.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

CIF-SS Division 1 Quarterfinals

Dos Pueblos 12, Edison 6 (DP hosts JSerra in semifinals on Saturday 5pm).

Kacey Hurley threw two fourth quarter touchdown passes to Ruby Streatfeild and Taylor Grant. Brooklyn Hedricks had two interceptions.

Orange Lutheran 42, San Marcos 18

Makena Cook threw 6 touchdown passes to lead the #2 seed Lancers.

Victoria Aldana threw 3 td passes for the Royals who finish 23-4.

Huntington Beach 20, Camarillo 6

Scorpions end the season 25-3

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Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) – It seems everyone is getting into the Thriller act this Halloween season.

People of all ages dressed up as zombies to take part in the Thriller Zombie Dance in Ventura.

Fit Zone Ventura sponsored the dance on the main law in the Ventura Harbor Village before dark on Sunday.

A large crowd gathered around them to watch.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Airports have a lot on the tarmac with the holidays ahead and the uncertainty surrounding the length of the latest government shutdown.

Santa Barbara Airport Marketing Supervisor Lauren Gonzales said larger airports are more likely to feel the shutdown impacts.

Los Angeles International Airport known as LAX had some flights from Oakland to LA temporarily grounded on Sunday due to a staffing shortage.

That has not happened in Santa Barbara.

“We really haven’t seen much impact on operations at SBA luckily but we are keeping in close contact with our Federal partners to be in touch on any changes that they see on their end,” said Gonzales.

But a government workers flying out, who chose not to give her name or job title, said she was delayed by issues at other airports on her way out of town.

And women flying in from Arizona said their pilot had to circle to land.

Other travelers including Warren Houston and Emily Johnson had no problem flying into Santa Barbara.

“I flew from Newark to Phoenix and then Phoenix to here, and everything was on time I didn’t notice anything different,” said Houston.

Johnson flew home Monday and said she is expecting her daughter to fly in for Thanksgiving and she hopes the shutdown will be over by then.

“I hope it’s not an issue I mean and I do plan to have her traveling right to our local airport just because it’s the odds are much better than going somewhere like LA, it’s just that can be troublesome,” said Johnson.

Travelers will also have more outgoing flights to choose from next year.

‘We do have some exciting news coming out of Santa Barbara Airport, last week we announced 2 new routes coming back in 2026. We have Alaska Airlines that will be offering non service to San Diego and United will be offering nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, both starting in April of 2026. These 2 routes have been previously highly requested by our community, so we are really excited that they will be offered once again,” said Gonzales.

Travel experts suggest signing up for alerts and checking your airline, airport and the National Airspace System Status websites.

For more information visit, https://nasstatus.faa.gov and https://flysba.santabarbara.ca.gov

Your News Channel will have more on travel coming up tonight on the news.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – About 80 percent of the voters who are eligible to participate in the November 4 election in Santa Barbara County have a ballot, but have not yet mailed it.

According to the County Elections Office on Monday morning, approximately 52,000 have been returned. That adds up to about 21 percent of the registered voters countywide.

Helena Hill is a voter who said, “I am horrified.  I am really horrified.  I hope they get out there and vote. Maybe they are all waiting to vote at the polls.”

Dawn Draper said, “I do know that people do wait until the last minute to do most things. so I am hopeful they will get out and vote .”

The ballot asked voters to make 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.

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.

Hill said, either way with the boxes is fine. “Yea I feel safe with them.  I feel safe here too.  I want to make sure my vote counts.”

At the main post office downtown, Tim Lyons said, “I like to bring it to the post office.  yes   It seems secure,  seems appropriate.”       

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

Renee Templeraud said, “I don’t wait until the last minute.  I don’t believe in doing that for anything.” She began voting by mail in 1973.

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 is 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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Below is a press release from Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness regarding the launch of “NoSo November.”

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness and the County Health Department are teaming up to launch “NoSo November”, a community-wide challenge encouraging residents to take a break from social media during the month of November. The NoSo (No Social Media) Campaign aims to raise awareness of the growing impacts of social media on mental and physical health and to inspire a healthier, more mindful relationship with technology.

Research has shown that excessive social media use can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. A recent study found that taking even a short break from social media — as little as one week — can significantly improve mood and overall wellbeing. Social media use has also been linked to disrupted sleep, increased sedentary time, and heightened physical stress responses.

“Many in our community are feeling the weight of ongoing stress and uncertainty,” said Toni Navarro, Director of the County’s Department of Behavioral Wellness. “Taking a conscious break from social media gives our minds and bodies the chance to reset, reconnect, and recharge — and it’s something we can do together.”

The Challenge

The NoSo November challenge invites community members, families, and organizations to participate by committing to a social media detox for any length of time — one day, one week, or the entire month of November. Participants can pledge here and join thousands of others worldwide in reclaiming their time and attention.

Healthy Alternatives

Instead of scrolling, the departments encourage residents to explore activities that nourishmental and physical wellbeing, such as:

Taking a walk or spending time outdoors

Calling or meeting a friend face-to-face

Reading a book or journaling

Practicing mindfulness or meditation

Volunteering or engaging in a creative hobby

“Social media can be a powerful tool, but constant connectivity takes a toll on our health,” said Mouhanad Hammami, Director of the County’s Health Department. “NoSo November is an opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters — our health, our relationships, and our community.”

Join the Movement

Organizations, schools, and community groups across Santa Barbara County are encouraged to join the movement by promoting NoSo November, pledging to participate, or sharing the campaign on their platforms before the challenge begins. View the NoSo 2024 Impact Report here.

Learn more at NoSoNovember.org or sign up to take the local pledge here.

To learn more about Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness visit the Behavioral Wellness website. To learn more about the Santa Barbara County Health Department visit the website here. The Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Crisis and Access Line can be reached at (888) 868-1649.

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Below is a press release from Visit Santa Barbara regarding upcoming lodging deals for South Coast Residents.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – As the holiday season approaches, accommodating visiting friends and family sometimes means needing additional space or an extra bedroom. Ready to take the stress out of holiday hosting? Or how about a staycation that provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge before the busy weeks ahead? Now is the time to book accommodations before the season gets underway.

Starting Oct. 27, Visit Santa Barbara is bringing back its Locals Lodging Promotion, offering 30% discounts for residents from Goleta to Carpinteria who book overnight trips within the Santa Barbara South Coast. The deals apply to stays between October 2025 and early 2026 at a dozen South Coast properties.

Participating hotels include luxury resorts such as Hotel Californian and Kimpton Canary Hotel, boutique options like Hotel Santa Barbara and The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, as well as charming bed and breakfasts like The Eagle Inn. Short-term rental properties from Paradise Retreats and Beach House Villa in Summerland are also included. Some properties are sweetening the deal with extra perks for locals who book overnight stays, such as complimentary parking.

Although this off-season deal is only for locals, area residents can extend the offer to their visiting friends and relatives. Dates of stay, as well as terms and conditions, vary by property, and blackout dates may apply. To view all the available offers, terms and instructions for booking, visit: https://santabarbaraca.com/locals. 

“Now in its third year, the lodging promotion makes a welcome return, providing residents and their visiting loved ones with seasonal rates on overnight stays at participating properties,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, the official destination marketing organization for the South Coast.

“These limited-time discounts give the local community opportunities for a memorable and relaxing staycation, as well as extra space and savings for their guests visiting during the holiday season.”

New this year, in tandem with Visit Santa Barbara’s lodging promotion, more than 25 South Coast hospitality partners are providing deals just for locals. Participants range from restaurants and tour operators to wineries and outdoor excursions. Additional deals from area businesses are available on Visit Santa Barbara’s Locals Lodging Promotion page. All offers are managed directly by the individual businesses. 

“For residents already taking advantage of Visit Santa Barbara’s hotel promotion, special deals from local businesses create more ways to experience Santa Barbara’s diverse offerings,” Janega-Dykes said.

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