Author: KEYT

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. –

Girls Volleyball Channel League:

Santa Barbara 3, Dos Pueblos 1

San Marcos 3, Pacifica 0 (Royals go 14-0 in Channel League)

Ventura 3, Rio Mesa 0

Oxnard 3, Buena 1

Tri-Valley League:

Bishop Diego 3, Del Sol 0 (Cardinals are co-league champions with St. Bonaventure)

Girls Flag Football Channel League

San Marcos 40, Pacifica 0

Dos Pueblos 34, Santa Barbara 18

(San Marcos and Dos Pueblos are co-Channel League champions at 13-1 in league)

Oxnard 38, Buena 0

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Andrew Gillies

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. (KEYT) – The Department of the Air Force published its Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the planned increase in launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base Tuesday.

The environmental assessments reviewed the potential cumulative effect of an anticipated 100 launches per year of Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy rockets from Vandenberg Space Force Base along 15 unique evaluation categories including air, water, and soil quality as well as noise and socioeconomic impact.

The pace is a notable increase compared to the 51 launches out of the space force base in 2024, the most launches since 1974.

“We are scaling our capacity and accelerating our space launch capabilities to meet national demands and maintain a competitive edge in the space domain,” explained Space Launch Delta 30 commander Colonel Mark Shoemaker in January of 2025. “I have no doubt that our skilled and dedicated workforce of civilians, military, and contracted professionals will continue to build on our successes.”

Printed copies of the Final EIS are available for the public at the following locations:

Avenue Library at 606 N. Ventura Avenue in Ventura

E.P. Foster Library at 651 E. Main Street in Ventura

Lompoc Public Library at 501 E. North Avenue in Lompoc

Ojai Library at 111 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai

Santa Barbara Public Library at 40 E. Anapamu Street in Santa Barbara

Santa Maria Public Library at 421 S. McClelland Street in Santa Maria

South Oxnard Branch Library at 4300 Saviers Road in Oxnard

Vandenberg Space Force Base Library at 100 Community Loop, Building 10343A at Vandenberg Space Force Base

More information about the environmental impact statement process can be found here.

In the assessment, the Department of Air Force selected Alternative 1 which would require SpaceX to construct a new approximately 62,000 square foot hanger to support the integration of both additional launches and the use of Falcon 9 Heavy rockets for the first time from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

A comparison of the Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy boosters are shown below, courtesy of the EIS.

The plan would require SpaceX to redevelop SLC-6 with commodity storage tanks, a vehicle erector, water towers, ground supporting equipment, a transport road with a rail system, and two new launch pads.

Most launches have been from SLC-4, but the modifications to the current launch area would not meet the necessary launch capacity and would also disrupting current mission timelines, including missions on behalf of the Department of Defense.

The required construction is currently estimated to take about 18 months with the majority of major demolitions and construction happening in the first 12 months.

Details of the proposed construction at SLC-6

The Department of Air Force noted that while launch operation windows could still occur at any time, the federal agency is working to limit launch times to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

An estimated launch cadence from the Air Force’s EIS

SpaceX would continue to transport first-stage boosters and fairings using roll-on-roll-off barges towed by a tugboat from the Port of Long Beach to the Vandenberg Space Force Base harbor for each launch.

The Department of Air Force noted that there are currently no significance thresholds established for space launch greenhouse gas emissions and the Federal Aviation Administration has not identified specific factors that need to be considered in making those threshold determinations and emissions assumptions were based on engine-specific emissions factors.

A comparison of the assumed annual emissions form the increase in launches is shown below.

In December of last year, the impact of noise from space launches was included for the first time in federal legislation.

As a result, the environmental assessment from the Department of Air Force included the expectation of how much rocket noise would increase, especially with the inclusion of Falcon 9 Heavy rockets from SLC-6.

In addition to the impact on the surrounding environment and community, the Department of the Air Force calculated the economic impact of having one of the nation’s two spaceports.

According to the Department of the Air Force, the cumulative economic impact of the space force base on the state is over $1.75 billion per year with an annual direct impact in Santa Barbara County of $500 million

Vandenberg Space Force Base is one of the largest employers in the county with over 6,000 active duty servicemember and civilian employees, accounting for approximately three percent of the county’s total jobs in 2017.

SpaceX does not plan to add any additional staff to its current 400 permanent staff under the proposal.

The role that SpaceX plays in the use of Vandenberg Space Force Base is the subject of ongoing litigation.

The California Coastal Commission rejected a proposal to increase launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base as many of the launches were Starlink satellites that materially benefited the private company and are covered under a federal consistency determination, a state-level assessment regarding federal actions that impact local coastal zones.

In response, SpaceX sued the state regulator in federal court alleging violations of SpaceX’s owner Elon Musk’s constitutional right to free speech among other claims.

In January of this year, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed to have the lawsuit dropped and U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. dismissed the SpaceX lawsuit in March noting that because the Air Force overruled the Coastal Commission’s decision and launches continued unabated, no harms could be found.

SpaceX can still file an amended lawsuit and the ongoing court battle was part of the Coastal Commission’s closed session meeting just last week.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – People packed the Santa Barbara City Council meeting once they saw an agenda item requesting the consideration of adding a rent stabilization ordinance discussion to a future agenda.

The overflow room was also full of people watching the meeting on television.

The controversy began when Councilmembers Wendy Santamaria and Kristen Sneddon asked the council to agendize the issue.

Although they did not vote on an specifics they would like the council to consider allowable rent increases of 60 percent of the California Consumer Price index.

Their idea would impact older rental units and could change the Rental Housing Mediation Board into a Rental Housing Stabilization Program.

Before voting to only discuss the issue at a later date, city councilmembers heard a large number of public comments that included dozens of landlords opposing any talk of rent stabilization or rent control.

Solange Sanhueza, who is a lawyer who owns a rental unit, compared it to communism.

Anthony Dal Bello said he won’t be able to make up for repairs he made in his lifetime with rent stabilization.

“If this is passed property owners who have had property a long time like me will have to sell their properties because they cannot raise the rents to cover their expenses,” said Dal Bello.

Orion Ross, who is a landlord to people in foster care, said he sees both sides of the issue, but doesn’t want an ordinance.

“Free market allows for generosity,” said Ross.

Others born and raised in Santa Barbara said without more housing and more affordable housing they won’t be able to stay in the community.

A first responder said rents are too high for wages that have not kept pace.

Zac Smith said he has seen his rent rise $500 in the past three years.

“We’re just pleading for action to stop the bleeding on this and to do something to help the working people of this city, because we need it,” said Smith.

Smith took part in a community workshop on the issue and said he is trying to raise his son in Santa Barbara without commuting to work.

He recalled growing up in Santa Barbara with rent in the $800 range.

Ana Arce is a policy advocate for CAUSE and said she just wants the conversation to be started by putting it on the council agenda.

“So that we have city workers, here so that we have teachers here, so that we have community here, to be able to say, like, this is the Santa Barbara we want to live and thrive in,” said Arce.

She said there could be a way to help tenants and property owners.

Many renters in Santa Barbara pay much more than 30 percent of their income to put a roof over their heads.

Summer Howatt who is a member of the Santa Barbara Tenants Union said there is a reason more landlords spoke during public comment.

“The numbers in the room don’t reflect the correct representation. A few tenant speakers pointed out that tenants can’t be here because they are at work and would like meetings to be at 5:30,” said Howatt.

She said the council received hundreds of tenant emails prior to the meeting.

Councilmembers discussed it as well, but were admonished by the city attorney not to discuss specifics since the issue was only to put the item on an upcoming agenda.

The council ended up voting 4-to-3 to do just that.

Mayor Randy Rowse, Eric Friedman and Mike Jordon voted no.

Estela Montaño said she was grateful the item passed. She is a longtime renter and is concerned about the cost of living.

“I see this as a path towards something beautiful, eager to see rent stabilization pass,” said Montaño.

The vote directs the city staff to place a rent stabilization discussion on the agenda by the end of the year.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – It’s a cold, damp day in Santa Barbara.

Outreach workers with Good Samaritan are walking along the train tracks — checking on people camped nearby as the rain tapered off.

“Just trying to give them things they could use when it’s raining … ponchos wipes water,” said outreach housing navigator Tim Garcia of Good Samaritan.

And dry socks — anything to help people weather the storm.

“It’s all critical you know it’s all critical. It’s bringing awareness and our shelter options. We can try to help them transport them. Whatever we need to do,” said program manager for outreach Todd Johnson of Good Samaritan.

The team believes these supplies are often lifesaving, especially when temperatures drop and shelters fill up.

Good Samaritan’s outreach continues even after the rain stops — connecting people with shelter beds and long-term help.

“My hope is to get them to engage and maybe be open to case management and shelter,” said Garcia.

While the rain may be over,Outreach continues, no matter the weather.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – One of Santa Barbara County’s local heroes was honored Friday evening with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary dedication to the community. Nelson Trichler, a 44-year veteran of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, received the award at a fundraising barbecue held at the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Museum.

Trichler has been a part of over 3,000 search and rescue missions across the state since joining the then-Los Padres Search and Rescue Team in 1981. The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office says Trichler has played a pivotal role in the team’s operations, securing modern vehicles and equipment, improving procedures, and developing the county’s evacuation zone system used during wildfires and other disasters.

“Nelson Trichler is a gifted servant leader – someone who has a strong desire to serve others and to put their needs above his own,” said Sheriff Bill Brown in presenting the award. “He fosters a culture of trust and empowerment, and he encourages communication and collaboration. His success is really measured by the Team’s long track record of success.”

Trichler helped the SAR program at Channel Islands National Park – mentoring numerous SAR members. His work continues to shape how the team responds to emergencies throughout the county.

Nelson Trichler remains an active member of the team, now serving as President of the Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue Team.

You can learn more about Nelson in a Youtube video here.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – In partnership with the 805 Car Club, the Santa Maria Police Department held the 2nd annual Cops And Cars event Saturday at the department’s Betteravia complex.

“Just having a wonderful day out here,” says Grover Beach resident and spectator Bob Hamblin. “Weather is beautiful. A lot of nice cars and some happy people.”

Food trucks, bounce houses, vendor booths, a live band, and of course, numerous classic cars adorned the lot as an impressive turnout of spectators flowed through.

“It just started stand and it starts at ten,” says co-owner of Extreme Electronics Roger Galvan. “So we’re expected to have to 300 cars and many, many people. It’s a great event for the community brought to you by the San Marino Police Department.“

Local businesses and non-profits joined in the fun with some of their own display booths, including the promised free lithium-ion battery bucket giveaway from the City of Santa Maria’s Utilities Department.

“We did this system here on this beautiful 1960s police car,” says Galvan. “We did a retro radio front speakers, a six and a half Sony E.S., back six-by-nine Sony E.S. And we did a whole trunk build with 2 12-inch subs, four channel amp, and also a one channel mono block.”

While admission is free for spectators, proceeds from the vehicle entry fees fund the Santa Maria Police Department’s various community outreach efforts.

“It’s a family event,” says Hamblin. “So you can bring the kids looks like, and there’s a lot to see. Something for everybody.”

Drawing visitors from beyond Santa Maria’s boundaries, this community gathering’s popularity is increasing, and spectators say they hope this will become a long-standing Central Coast tradition.

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Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT). – For the second straight weekend UCSB men’s water polo was able to deep-six another sixth-ranked opponent.

Brock Zamanian scored what proved to be the game-winning goal with 2:22 remaining in the fourth quarter and the #12 Gauchos held on to beat #6 UC San Diego 11-10 in the Big West opener for both teams.

Last weekend UCSB beat San Jose State who was ranked sixth at the time.

Zamanian’s 3rd goal of the game gave the Gauchos an 11-9 lead.

The Tritons Bennett Axline tallied his 3rd goal of the afternoon with 1:31 left to make it a one-goal game.

UC San Diego had two more possessions but UCSB goalie Levin Lentin came out of the cage to steal an entry pass and in the final seconds a Gauchos defender was able to block a shot and time expired.

A big crowd on alumni weekend celebrated the win as UCSB improves to 15-10 on the season.

The Gauchos got off to a fast start as they led 4-2 after the first quarter and 7-4 at halftime.

UC San Diego scored the first three goals of the second half and it was back-and-forth the rest of the way.

Santa Ynez High School alum Landon Lassahn scored on a 6-5 advantage with 0.52 seconds left in the third quarter to put UCSB up 9-8 heading into the final eight minutes.

Danilo Dragovic shared team-high honors in goals at 3 with Brock Zamanian.

Gauchos keeper Levi Lentin made 10 saves to go along with 3 saves.

UCSB hosts #19 UC Irvine next Saturday at 12 at Dos Pueblos High School.

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Caleb Nguyen

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – A man required helicopter transport after major injuries from a crash on Highway 1 near Lompoc just after 1:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Crews found the man’s car about 40 feet up the embankment and stabilized it before helping the man via the jaws-of-life, according to the SBCFD.

The man needed a helicopter for his major injuries and a CalSTAR airlift took him to Marian Regional Medical Center, according to the SBCFD.

The helicopter also shut down Jalama Road temporarily and the cause of the crash is under investigation, according to the SBCFD.

The SBCFD received help from Lompoc Fire and CHP in the response and more information will be provided as it becomes available to Your News Channel.

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John Palminteri

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – The 2025 NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) is showcasing about 25 films including a special session for students in Goleta.

The festival began Thursday night at the Riviera Theatre in Santa Barbara. The two-day event has world-class films that celebrate nature and outdoor adventure. Friday’s films were at the Camino Real Cinemas.

In addition to Goleta there will also be films in Los Olivos and more plans to move throughout the West Coast to bring the films to more communities.

National and international filmmakers are taking part.

All proceeds from NTFF support NatureTrack and inspire respectful stewardship of our natural world. The films are meant to inspire, educate, and connect people with nature.

Three theaters were in use Friday, in collaboration with Metropolitan Theatres, for 5th graders in the Goleta Union School district.

Jack Hanson from Mountain View School said, “me and my family. Like, converted a bus into an RV. We go on trips, like Oregon, Washington.  We are going to try to go to, northern Canada.”

Abby Pickens with NatureTrack said, “Nature track is all about fostering a lifelong fascination with nature. And we’re doing that through film today .”

Part of the outreach for the students is to be inspired by both the images and the thought of being closer to nature.

Hanson said, “I don’t really play video games, so, like, I do active stuff every day. I go outside.”

Sue Eisaguirre, NatureTrack Executive Director, said, “There’s something about seeing it on a huge screen in a theater and having that sound, that Dolby sound.”

Looking at the movies on the big screen with kids, Pickens said, “we get them excited about using their senses and nature and then they just open up and start exploring. A little bit shy at first, but by the end of the day, they’re exploring on their own and observing things that I’m not even pointing out.”

The festival has set up an area where many film makers are on hand to talk about their experiences and how they captured these images with nature.

Eisaguirre said, “so we’re reaching more people, different people. And they’re seeing these incredible nature films that motivate them to get out and do something or to just explore for the first time.”

Year round NatureTrack leads field trips with K though 12 students  and offers the Freedom Trax all terrain mobility device so everyone can have access to trails and beaches.

 “I think if we can expose people to as much nature and like getting people to create a relationship with, Mother Earth, I think that’s what we should all be striving for,” said Pickens.

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Tracy Lehr

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) The third annual Panteón Fest filled Heritage Square.

People of all ages attended the festival in Oxnard.

It is a celebration of Dia de los Muertos.

Families worked on their altars throughout the plaza in Oxnard to celebrate loved ones they miss.

One of the most popular altars included a classic Ford.

Erika Martin Del Campo of Santa Barbara emceed the event.

“The third annual festival magical and so special it is a representation of the Latino culture, Pipiripau has been putting this on for the third year and it really is just celebrating the Latino culture the Hispanic culture and it is such a wonderful highlight that brings out entire community together,” said Martin Del Campo.

The program included a DJ spinning records, dancing, mariachi and a Catrin and Catrina contest.

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