Author: KEYT

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Below is a press release from the Arroyo Grande Police Department regarding their community event, Coffee with a Cop

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. – On July 25, 2025, police officers from Arroyo Grande Police and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. All community members are invited to attend. All questions are welcome.

The event begins at 9:00 am and ends at 11:00 am on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Café Andreini located at 131 E. Branch St. in Arroyo Grande. Please contact Sergeant Jason Castillo with questions: 805-473-5110 ext. 5127 jcastillo@arroyogrande.org

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public occur during emergencies or emotionally charged situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers, allowing for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in our neighborhoods.

“We hope that community members will feel comfortable asking questions, bringing concerns, or simply getting to know our officers,” said Interim Chief David Culver. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve. The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members, one cup of coffee at a time.

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Congress has voted to rescind nearly $1.1 billion in funding for public media — a move that eliminates all federal support for NPR, PBS, and their member stations, including KCLU on the Central Coast.

House Republicans passed the spending cuts bill shortly after midnight Friday. Roughly $8 billion will be pulled from congressionally approved foreign aid programs as part of the White House’s broader effort to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development. Another $1.1 billion will be cut from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps fund NPR and PBS. President Trump, who proposed the cuts, is expected to sign the bill into law.

Mary Olson, general manager of KCLU, called it a “dark day for public media in our country” and said, “$300,000 is now gone immediately from our budget, so that’s quite a shortfall.” Despite the loss, Olson says no jobs or programs will be cut.

The cuts represent roughly 12% of KCLU’s annual operating budget. Olson said the station will now turn to its listeners for support.

“We are operating under the premise, effective immediately, that it’s going to be OK,” she said.

KCLU broadcasts across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, with coverage stretching from Santa Margarita to Agoura Hills. Olson said that despite the loss in federal support, that reach will remain unchanged.

“We’re not going to let that happen,” she said in response to whether the coverage area might be reduced. “They [KCLU reporters] are burning up the 101… getting local news, and we’re going to continue that coverage.”

The station’s news department is led by News Director Lance Orozco and Caroline Feraday, who produce award-winning local coverage.

“Newsrooms are dying across the United States. Local news is critical,” Olson said. “The last thing we need to do is think about cutting services or cutting back.”

KCLU plans to maintain current programming and staffing levels, unlike other NPR affiliates across the country that have already begun laying off employees and altering lineups due to similar cuts.

“Already today, I’ve been consoling general managers across the country that they’re having to lay off staff and they’ve already announced programming changes,” Olson said. “We have colleagues that have lost over 50% of their budget.”

KCLU, which has served the tri-counties for 30 years, remains optimistic that community support will help fill the funding gap.

“We’re going to just buck up. We’re going to find a way,” Olson said. “We’re going to keep on keeping on.”

KDRW (88.7 FM) in Santa Barbara and KCBX (90.1 FM) in San Luis Obispo also carry NPR programming.

The federal cuts to public broadcasting come as PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, announces an expansion of coverage in the Santa Barbara region.

Channel 26 and Channel 56 will expand PBS’s over-the-air signal to communities in Lompoc, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Santa Maria to the north, and Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Summerland, Carpinteria, and Ventura to the south. Viewers will need to rescan their TVs to access the new channel options.

At the national level, here’s what might happen now that federal funding for public broadcasting has been zeroed out.

What will viewers and listeners notice?

Over time, some local stations may be forced off the air, while others may carry fewer shows or reduce their news and educational programming. The exact impacts are hard to predict because the public radio and TV system is decentralized and complex.

At the center of that system is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), an independent entity established by Congress in the 1960s to support local radio and TV stations across the U.S.

CPB has received $535 million in taxpayer support annually, which it distributed to about 1,500 local stations, programmers, and infrastructure providers. That funding has now been rescinded by congressional Republicans. Democrats opposed the move.

When will the cuts take effect?

Trump’s rescission targeted CPB’s federal funding for the period from October 2025 through September 2027, so stations are expected to face budget shortfalls beginning this fall. Some public media executives have already begun planning layoffs and cost-cutting measures.

While NPR and PBS affiliates do receive significant support from donations — including from “viewers like you” — the federal appropriation has historically served as the foundation of their operating model.

“For every public dollar provided, stations raise nearly seven dollars from donors, including state and local governments, universities, businesses, foundations, and individual viewers and listeners,” according to CPB.

Won’t the affected stations just raise more money from listeners?

Yes and no. Larger stations in metro areas may be able to recover lost revenue more easily. But smaller, rural, or economically disadvantaged stations tend to rely heavily on federal funding to keep their antennas powered and staff employed.

“Without federal funding, many local public radio and television stations will be forced to shut down,” the Corporation for Public Broadcasting warned.

What about the national NPR and PBS networks?

In the public media system, federal dollars flow first to CPB, then to local stations — which in turn pay dues and fees to national networks like NPR and PBS. Those dues help fund national programming like Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

NPR noted that while only 1% of its revenue comes directly from the federal government, about 30% of its funding comes indirectly through member station fees — which will likely be impacted by the CPB cuts.

NPR has warned that “elimination of federal funding would ultimately result in fewer programs, less journalism — especially local journalism — and eventually the loss of public radio stations, particularly in rural and economically distressed communities.”

Why are Republicans trying to strip the funding?

The vote marks the culmination of decades of conservative opposition to federal funding for public broadcasting. Critics argue that public media is unnecessary in the age of streaming and say taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for media content.

“Nowhere in the Constitution does it say Congress should fund a national media,” said the libertarian Cato Institute, which has long advocated for defunding CPB.

For Trump and many of his allies, the issue is also ideological. They claim NPR and PBS promote a liberal agenda — a charge both organizations deny. The Trump campaign has described public broadcasting as “radical, woke propaganda disguised as ‘news.’”

Some moderate Republicans have expressed concern. Sen. Susan Collins called the cuts “excessive” and acknowledged that local stations “provide important coverage.” However, she said she still supported defunding NPR at the national level, citing concerns about bias.

After the House passed the bill with Senate revisions early Friday, Speaker Mike Johnson said: “The American people will no longer be forced to fund politically biased media.”

What are Democrats saying and doing?

Democrats were unable to block the bill, but they strongly defended the public media system. Sen. Maria Cantwell called the cuts a “reckless endangerment” of the roughly 13 million Americans who rely on public stations for emergency alerts and local reporting.

Sen. Bernie Sanders accused Trump of seeking to defund public media because, “like all authoritarians, he doesn’t like criticism or objective reporting.”

Anna M. Gomez, the lone Democrat on the Republican-controlled FCC, echoed that sentiment. “This isn’t about saving money,” she posted on X. “It’s about silencing those who report the news accurately, without fear or favor.”

CNN contributed to this report.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – A new Sprouts Farmers Market is coming to The Crossroads at Santa Maria shopping center.

Westar Associates, a Newport Beach-based real estate company, announced this week the market will occupy the space directly next to Walmart that was previously home to R&R Furniture and Mattress, and for many years earlier, to Staples.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sprouts to Crossroads Santa Maria,” Kam Walton, Westar Associates Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Leasing said in a statement. “Sprouts’ commitment to health, wellness, and community makes them an ideal fit for the center and a valuable addition for residents in the surrounding area.”

The company described the business as a unique grocery experience that features an open layout with fresh produce at the heart of the store and is known for lifestyle-friendly offerings that include organic, plant-based, and gluten-free options.

Sprouts operates more than 450 stores in 24 states nationwide, including two close to Santa Maria in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.

The company employs about 35,000 people, but it’s unclear just how many people will be hired to work in the upcoming Santa Maria site.

On Friday, some locals were already checking out the location to inquire if they could apply for a job.

“The more opportunities the better,” said William Heintz of Santa Maria. “I love to see new businesses open. It’s showing that we’re prospering around here. The community needs places like this. We’re a thriving community and we need more places like this to come in and offer jobs for people.”

The Crossroads at Santa Maria is located adjacent to Highway 101, along Betteravia Road and South Bradley Road.

Other national retailers at the shopping center include Walmart, Home Depot, Best Buy, TJ Maxx, PetSmart and several other smaller stores and restaurants.

No timetable was given on when the new Sprouts would open its doors.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The building that serves as a hub for resources in the Santa Barbara Hispanic community has come back from a shut down.

La Casa de la Raza was “red tagged” by the city for various violations. That meant no use and no occupancy by anyone including the staff.

Many were safety and fire concerns, including faulty wiring and unsafe exit plans.

Those violations have been fixed and the red tag was pealed off the wall Thursday as seen in images on Instagram.

“Most of the folks that came to provide support,literally with tools in their hands,  putting up equipment,” said Lead Volunteer Jacqueline Inda. “We identified all of the things that might be a danger to the building in the future. We figured those out as a red tag issue. And so then we worked with the city to be able to knock those out of the way and get the space back open.”

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A post shared by La Casa de la Raza (@lacasadelaraza.sb)

La Casa representatives have said loudly in the last couple of weeks, that they needed to get the building open and asked the city to facilitate the inspections to allow that to happen. It is expected to be a gathering space for meetings and information relating to the recent ICE raids along with overall immigration action plans.

Getting the work done required construction in the La Casa side of the goals, and the city inspectors on board as well. Plus some of the parts were not always arriving on time.

“Some things were delayed, and sometimes you would hope that they were going to get here and we were going to have to schedule the inspection, which you would have to delay just because the hardware didn’t come in or it wasn’t the right one,” she said.

The theatre will be closed off until there is a second door to create safe exit choices.

The kitchen will not be able to cook hot food until gas lines are fixed. Inda says, “those will continue to not be in use until we finish up the second phase.” For now cold food can be served. Eventually the kitchen will have multiple uses day and night. It may also be used to help start up businesses.

Community members are bringing in non perishables to help to feed those who are afraid to go out due to immigration raid concerns. A former food catering truck is, “being converted into a mobile food pantry to bring some necessities from the La Casa de la Rasa building directly to people who need them. That will allow people to just basically come out of their houses, get what they need.”

Inda says, government help from Mexico could be helping to create a safe space at La Casa and being present more. “We know that with the consulate it means that wherever they’re at they are protected by international law. So people know the safety of it. “

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Foresters continued their dominant summer play with a 10-3 win over the Philippines Baseball Group, improving their record to 21-10 in a game fueled by stellar pitching, aggressive base running, and timely offense. The matchup, sponsored by the Santa Barbara Independent, brought out high energy from both the team and fans at Eddie Mathews Field.Starting pitcher Noah Waldeck was sharp from the first pitch, striking out seven and allowing no runs through four innings of work. He kept hitters off balance with a mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches, retiring the side in order in the first and working around traffic in the second.

The Foresters broke the game open in the second inning. After Brenton Clark walked and stole second, Mic Paul delivered an RBI single to bring him home. Paul then stole both second and third before scoring on a sac fly from Zane Becker. Makani Nabarro added an RBI single to give Santa Barbara a 3-0 lead.

The third inning saw the Foresters erupt for five more runs. Sawyer Farr knocked in Easton Moomau with a single, followed by a 2-RBI double from Caden Miller, who would later score on another Becker sac fly. By the end of the frame, Santa Barbara had built a commanding 8-1 lead.

Bryce Navarre took over in the fifth and battled through a tough inning, surrendering three runs on a pair of hits and a walk. The Foresters responded immediately, and reliever Josh Hyneman shut things down over the next two frames, striking out three and allowing no further damage.In the bottom of the fifth, Clark singled, Paul walked and stole his third base of the game, and another wild pitch allowed a run to score. Becker capped off his day with his third sac fly, bringing in Sawyer Farr to extend the lead to 10-3.

Pitcher Tyler Phewnow kept things quiet for the Philippines scoreboard, only allowing one runner on base in the 8th. The Foresters slid through the 8th inning to maintain their lead. A threat came in the 9th: a player hit by pitch and a single, but a strikeout from Phenow ultimately ended the game. 

The Foresters look to carry this winning energy into their homestand, playing the Menlo Park Legends with a first pitch at 4:30pm. Come watch the game Eddie Mathews Field or tune into the Santa Barbara YouTube Channel for live coverage.

(Article courtesy of Santa Barbara Foresters/Sami Ogan).

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Alissa Orozco

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – During their emergency meeting on July 10th, Carpinteria City Council approved the one-time appropriation of $10,000 to help fund non-profit organizations offering emergency assistance to families directly affected by the recent immigration enforcement throughout the city.

The meeting was announced before the chaotic scene at Glass House Farms locations in Carpinteria and Camarillo occurred that same day – originally responding to videos of ICE activity in the city. The raid in the Carpinteria only amplified the need for a meeting.

“We believe that we can make change, we believe we can impact our community, we believe we can protect what needs to be protected, we believe that we will all stand together for what’s right. Not just what’s right for me, but what’s right for everyone here in Carpinteria,” councilwoman Julia Mayer said.

An original amount of $5,000 from the city’s General Fund to support non-profit organizations was to be considered by the council via their agenda for last week’s meeting, but after public comment and council consideration, a one-time appropriation of $10,000 was approved.

The city is now seeking proposals from organizations who provide immigration support services to local residents impacted by recent federal immigration enforcement actions. A maximum award of $2,500 will be given to eligible organizations, depending on the number and quality of proposals received.

Organizations interested in submitting a proposal must send it to the city in PDF format via email no later than Wednesday, July 30th at 11:59pm.

Applications must include a program description, budget, evaluation plan, organizational qualifications, and other required documentation.

Award notifications will be sent out August 8th.

Additional 501(c)(3) status organizations are available to the community to provide a variety of support services to those affected by immigration enforcements.

You can find of the full list of organizations and more information on proposals here.

Puede encontrar la lista completa de organizaciones y más información sobre las propuestas aquí.

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Below is a press release from The County of Santa Barbara Health Department regarding their commitment to the community regardless of citizenship status

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The County of Santa Barbara Health Department (County Health) wants to reassure our community that no proof of citizenship is required to receive care at any of our five health centers throughout the county. We continue to operate under our current policies and procedures, providing safe, equitable, and confidential services to all patients as we do not inquire about immigration status.

While recent federal policy announcements have caused concern and confusion for many in our community, we want to emphasize that no formal implementation guidelines have been issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at this time. As such, there are no changes to the way our health centers operate or the services we provide.

“We are committed to serving every individual who walks through our doors with compassion and respect,” said Mouhanad Hammami, Director of County Health. “Public health depends on everyone feeling safe enough to seek care. Our health centers are safe places where patient privacy and rights are protected.”

County Health is actively exploring alternative ways to expand access to care for all families, especially our immigrant and indigenous communities. To better serve our communities, our health care centers offer a range of flexible and culturally responsive options, including a Walk-in Clinic in Santa Maria, Behavioral Health Telehealth appointments, and Mixteco voiceovers for our Mixteco-speaking populations.

If you have any concerns about attending your appointment in person due to recent events, please contact us. In some cases, we may be able to offer a phone appointment instead. County Health urges all community members to continue accessing the medical and preventive care services they need.

For more information about services and health center locations, please visithttps://www.countyofsb.org/2150/Health-Care-Centers or call the following health center near you.

Santa Maria Health Care Center2115 Centerpointe Pkwy, Santa Maria, CA 93455+1 805-346-7230

Lompoc Health Care Center301 N R St, Lompoc, CA 93436+1 805-737-6400

Santa Barbara Health Care Center345 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110+1 805-681-5488

Franklin Health Care Center1136 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103+1 805-568-2099

Carpinteria Health Care Center931 Walnut Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013+1 805-560-1050

Traducción al Español

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Santa Bárbara (County Health) quiere asegurar a nuestra comunidad que no se requiere prueba de ciudadanía para recibir atención en cualquiera de nuestros cinco centros de salud en todo el condado. Seguimos funcionando bajo nuestras pólizas y procedimientos actuales, proporcionando servicios seguros, equitativos y confidenciales a todos los pacientes ya que no preguntamos sobre el estatus migratorio.

Aunque los recientes anuncios legislativos federales han causado preocupación y confusión para muchos en nuestra comunidad, queremos enfatizar que hasta hoy el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos (HHS, por sus siglas en inglés) no ha publicado guías para implementación.

«Nos comprometemos a atender con compasión y respeto a todas las personas que cruzan nuestras puertas», dijo Mouhanad Hammami, director del Departamento de Salud, «La salud publica depende de que todos sientan lo suficiente seguro para buscar atención médica Nuestros centros de salud son lugares seguros donde la privacidad y los derechos de los pacientes están protegidos.»

County Health está explorando activamente maneras alternativas de expandir acceso a la atención médica para todas las familias, especialmente nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes e indígenas. Para servir mejor a nuestra comunidad, nuestros centros de salud ofrecen una gama de opciones flexibles y culturalmente sensibles, incluso una clínica sin cita previa en Santa Maria, citas de telesalud de salud conductual y locuciones en mixteco para nuestras poblaciones de habla mixteca.

Si le preocupa asistir a su cita en persona debido a los recientes eventos, póngase en contacto con nosotros. En algunos casos, podemos ofrecerle una cita telefónica. County Health insta a todos los miembros de la comunidad a seguir accediendo a los servicios de atención médica y preventiva que necesitan

Para más información sobre servicios y locales de los centros de salud, visite:https://www.countyofsb.org/2150/Health-Care-Centers o llame al centro de salud más cercana.

Santa Maria Health Care Center2115 Centerpointe Pkwy, Santa Maria, CA 93455+1 805-346-7230

Lompoc Health Care Center301 N R St, Lompoc, CA 93436+1 805-737-6400

Santa Barbara Health Care Center345 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110+1 805-681-5488

Franklin Health Care Center1136 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103+1 805-568-2099

Carpinteria Health Care Center931 Walnut Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013+1 805-560-1050

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Below is a press release from County of Santa Barbara regarding their County Master Plan for Aging from 2025 – 2030.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on July 15, 2025, approved the Santa Barbara County Master Plan for Aging 2025 – 2030, a comprehensive five-year roadmap designed to strengthen support for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers countywide. Rooted in community input and local data, the plan provides a strategic framework to improve quality of life and address the growing needs of an aging population.

The Plan highlights four central priorities: awareness of community resources, caregiving, housing and homelessness, and access to healthcare and community services—including transportation, behavioral health, nutrition, and long-term care.

The Plan reflects a growing recognition of the challenges and disparities faced by aging residents across the county, especially as one in four residents is expected to be over the age of 60 by 2030. It outlines goals and objectives to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can live with health, safety, and dignity.

The Plan builds on a strong local foundation of services, while identifying key areas for system improvement. It emphasizes the need for a coordinated, countywide response to address long-standing service gaps, growing demand, and equity challenges.

A Demographic Shift with Local Consequences

Santa Barbara County is experiencing a rapid increase in its aging population. By 2060, the number of residents aged 60 and older is expected to grow by 32%, with significant impacts on housing, caregiving, and healthcare. Among older adults:

33% live with a disability

20% are at risk of developing dementia

70% will need long-term care during their lifetime

Over 30% experience economic hardship

“Local demographics illustrate a need for proactive planning to ensure older adults and people with disabilities can age in place with access to vital resources,” shared Barbara Finch, Adult & Aging Network Director. “This five-year plan seeks to continue building a path for older adults today and into the future.”

Plan Objectives and Priorities

The local plan complements California’s statewide Master Plan for Aging and focuses on critical local issues:

Housing and Homelessness – Increasing age-friendly housing options and addressing the high rate of homelessness among adults 55+.

Caregiving – Expanding support for unpaid caregivers and improving caregiver workforce development.

Healthcare Access – Enhancing culturally responsive, community-based care services.

Information and Navigation – Improving visibility and use of resources such as 211 and the Aging & Disability Resource Center.

Community Engagement and Leadership

The Plan was shaped through extensive community engagement. Over the past two years, the Adult and Aging Network (AAN), and dozens of community partners held focus groups, surveys, and listening sessions to understand the needs of older adults and caregivers—especially from underserved populations including Spanish speakers, individuals with disabilities, and Black/African American residents.

Their feedback revealed significant challenges related to affordability, language access, transportation, and isolation, which directly informed the goals and strategies outlined in the plan.

Implementation and Next Steps

Now that the plan has been approved, the Adult and Aging Network will lead implementation in partnership with County departments, nonprofit agencies, and individuals with lived experience. Annual reviews will assess progress and adjust strategies to ensure continued relevance and impact. The plan is designed to align with state and federal initiatives and to leverage existing partnerships and funding opportunities.

The Santa Barbara County Master Plan for Aging 2025-2030, marks a major milestone in Santa Barbara County’s commitment to becoming an age- and disability-friendly region for all residents.

To read the full Santa Barbara County Master Plan for Aging 2025–2030, visithttp://www.sbcaan.org/master-plan-for-aging.html.

Traducción al Español:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – El 15 de julio de 2025, la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Santa Bárbara aprobó el Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del Condado de Santa Bárbara para el 2025 – 2030, una hoja de ruta integral de cinco años diseñada para fortalecer el apoyo a los adultos mayores, las personas con discapacidades y sus cuidadores en todo el condado. Basado en los aportes de la comunidad y los datos locales, el plan proporciona un marco estratégico para mejorar la calidad de vida y atender las necesidades crecientes de una población que envejece.

El plan destaca cuatro prioridades centrales: la concientización sobre los recursos comunitarios, el cuidado, la vivienda y la falta de hogar y el acceso a la atención médica y los servicios comunitarios, incluidos el transporte, la salud mental, el tratamiento del uso de sustancias, la nutrición y la atención a largo plazo.

El plan refleja un creciente reconocimiento de los desafíos y las disparidades que enfrentan los residentes de edad avanzada en todo el condado, especialmente porque se espera que uno de cada cuatro residentes tenga más de 60 años para 2030. Además, describe metas y objetivos para asegurar que las personas de todas las edades y capacidades puedan vivir con salud, seguridad y dignidad.

El plan se basa en una sólida base local de servicios, al tiempo que identifica áreas clave para la mejora del sistema. Enfatiza la necesidad de una respuesta coordinada en el condado para abordar las brechas de servicios de larga data, la creciente demanda y los desafíos de equidad.

Un cambio demográfico con consecuencias locales

El Condado de Santa Bárbara está experimentando un rápido aumento en su población que envejece. Para 2060, se espera que el número de residentes de 60 años o más crezca en un 32%, con impactos significativos en la vivienda, el cuidado y la atención médica. Entre los adultos mayores:

El 33% vive con una discapacidad

El 20% está en riesgo de desarrollar demencia

El 70% necesitará cuidados a largo plazo durante su vida

Más del 30% experimenta dificultades económicas

“La demografía local ilustra la necesidad de una planificación proactiva para garantizar que los adultos mayores y las personas con discapacidades puedan envejecer en su lugar con acceso a recursos vitales”, compartió Barbara Finch, directora de la Red de Adultos y Envejecimiento (AAN, Adult and Aging Network). “Este plan de cinco años busca continuar construyendo un camino para los adultos mayores hoy y en el futuro”.

Planificación de objetivos y prioridades

El plan local complementa el Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del estado de California y se enfoca en temas locales críticos:

Vivienda y falta de hogar: aumentar las opciones de vivienda apta para personas de edad avanzada y abordar la alta tasa de personas sin hogar entre los adultos mayores de 55 años

Cuidados: ampliar el apoyo a los cuidadores no remunerados y mejorar el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral de los cuidadores

Acceso a la atención médica: mejorar los servicios de atención basados en la comunidad y culturalmente receptivos

Información y navegación: mejorar la visibilidad y el uso de recursos como 211 y el Centro de Recursos para el Envejecimiento y Discapacidad

Compromiso comunitario y liderazgo

El plan se configuró a través de una amplia participación comunitaria. En los últimos dos años, la Red de Adultos y Envejecimiento (AAN) y docenas de socios comunitarios llevaron a cabo grupos de enfoque, encuestas y sesiones de escucha para comprender las necesidades de los adultos mayores y los cuidadores, especialmente de poblaciones desatendidas, que incluye hispanohablantes, personas con discapacidades y residentes afroamericanos.

Sus comentarios revelaron desafíos significativos relacionados con la asequibilidad, el acceso al idioma, el transporte y el aislamiento, que informaron directamente las metas y estrategias descritas en el plan.

Implementación y próximos pasos

Ahora que el plan ha sido aprobado, la Red de Adultos y Envejecimiento liderará la implementación en asociación con los departamentos del condado, agencias sin fines de lucro e individuos con experiencia vivida. Los exámenes anuales evaluarán los progresos realizados y ajustarán las estrategias para garantizar la pertinencia y el impacto constantes. El plan está diseñado para alinearse con las iniciativas estatales y federales y para aprovechar las asociaciones existentes y las oportunidades de financiamiento.

El Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del Condado de Santa Bárbara para el 2025-2030 marca un hito importante en el compromiso del Condado de Santa Bárbara de convertirse en una región amigable con la edad y la discapacidad para todos los residentes.

Para leer el Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del Condado de Santa Bárbara para el 2025–2030, visite http://www.sbcaan.org/master-plan-for-aging.html.

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Andrew Gillies

TEMPLETON, Calif. — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that four juveniles from northern San Luis Obispo County have been identified in connection with the devastating fire that destroyed the historic Templeton Feed & Grain building on July 4.

According to a press release, detectives determined that one of the juveniles is allegedly responsible for starting the fire, which is believed to have been ignited by illegal fireworks. All four individuals are reported to be male and under the age of 18.

While the Sheriff’s Office has completed its part of the investigation, officials say the identities of the juveniles and the evidence collected have been turned over to the Templeton Fire Department, which is leading the case moving forward.

The Sheriff’s Office also thanked the public for their help and cooperation during the investigation. As of Thursday, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office said no charges have been recommended.

The fire consumed the Templeton Feed & Grain structure, a fixture in the community for more than a century. Originally constructed in 1912, the building was not only a visual landmark but also a symbol of the town’s agricultural roots—so iconic, in fact, that its image appears on Templeton’s emergency service vehicles.

It remains unclear whether any of the juveniles have been detained or arrested. Your News Channel has reached out to Templeton Fire and Emergency Services for additional comment. Their response will be included as soon as it is received.

Templeton Feed and Grain Fire on July 4, 2025. Image courtesy of the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – On Thursday, the University of California Board of Regents announced UC Santa Barbara’s sixth chancellor as Dr. Dennis Assanis.

Assanis will take over for former chancellor Henry Yang, who just concluded his 31 year tenure on July 14th. Executive Vice Chancellor David Marshall was named Interim Chancellor while the search for the university next permanent chancellor was underway. Marshall will continue as Interim Chancellor until Assanis assumes his role on September 1, 2025.

Assanis is a Greek-native who previously served as President of the University of Delaware (UD). An article published by The Current credits Assanis with overseeing the many programs and opportunities that made the University of Delaware one of the best colleges in the United States according the U.S. News & World Report and the Wall Street Journal. 

Research spending skyrocketed over 160 percent during Assanis’ time at UD, and he oversaw the development of multiple interdisciplinary centers and institutes – including the creation of the Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) campus, now home to over 1.2 million square feet of new facilities and more than 3,000 professionals.

The UC Regents formally approved Assanis’ appointment at their July 17th meeting.

“Dr. Assanis is the right person to lead UC Santa Barbara into the future,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “His deep understanding of the power of interdisciplinary work combined with his energy, insight and strategic vision will blend perfectly with the excellence of UC Santa Barbara students, faculty and staff as they address the world’s most urgent challenges.”

Assanis spoke via Zoom about his personal academic journey and his excitement to begin a new journey at UC Santa Barbara.

“I always remember my late father, who never stopped encouraging me to pursue my academic dreams to the fullest as chancellor,” Assanis said. “I look forward to building on the outstanding accomplishments created by Chancellor Yang and the faculty, staff, and senior leaders who have shaped UC Santa Barbara with their daily contributions and dedication.”

Assanis earned his bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Newcastle University, and proceeded to earn three master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Assanis completed his Ph.D. in Power and Propulsion at MIT.

“Above all, [my wife] Eleni and I are thrilled to join the vibrant Gaucho and Santa Barbara communities, to make new friends, hear your stories, learn, and lead with integrity. Together, we will win and write the next chapter in UC Santa Barbara’s incredible story.”

The Current reported the UC Regents approved Assanis’ salary at $880,000.

The search for the university’s sixth chancellor concluded just in time for the 2025-2026 academic school year. Assanis will assume his role on September 1, 2025.

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