Author: KEYT

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A popular boys and girls club location is fighting blight in an area where members must walk to get to the club.

The Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara, that now goes by The Downtown Club, said it happens to be an area where dozens of people are known to live in their cars and RVs.

“This is all about the kids really, and when you have the junior high, the high school, the Boys and Girls Club – we also have Providence School, we also have the church, all within this area that is impacted, it truly has become a safety, a public health and safety issue for us,” said Mark Alvarado.

He said he understands the need for a safe place for people to live in vehicles.

“Why here? Why is it such an impact here where there is such a high volume of kids? We should be able to recognize this and adjust whatever the laws are in order to help folks that need help getting off the streets, but also protect our kids and families,” said Alvarado.

He is concerned about his staff members, too.

Josh Loza, 18, is the club’s computer lab facilitator and takes Quarantina St. to work.

The area is located Councilmember Wendy Santamaria’s district, meaning Loza would ask her to take the lead on fixing the problem.

“I would ask if it could be attended a little more, it doesn’t look like it receives much attention, it seems very overshadowed, which is scary, considering that it is close to the club here the junior high and a public park, it just feels very unsafe, it is just a shady area with the people you see around here sometimes,” said Loza.

Josh Baptista said he understands the concerns, but he happens to be living in a van that needs repairs.

On Monday he got a ticket on Monday for parking during street sweeping.

Baptista is a trained in construction and ended up living in his vehicle following a divorce.

He is in contact with News Beginnings, a local nonprofit that offers counseling and housing assistance.

“I’ve been working with New Beginnings, about a placement and all that sort of stuff, and hopefully I will get taken care of. So they’re going help me, get the bill and get it working right,”said Baptista.

Neighbor and jogger Ines Wystra would like some added trash pickups.

 “We don’t feel unsafe, but we feel like there’s a lot of trash that needs to be cleaned up more,” said Wystra.

The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara has sent letters to city leaders to raise awareness.

Councilmember Santamaria could not be reached to comment, but Mayor Randy Rowse, said by phone, the city is aware of the issue.

When the city held a meeting about the blight along Quarantino and De La Guerra last year it led to the posting of a no dumping sign next to a trash can, but the trash can is often overflowing.

School starts Wednesday.

Club members hope the changes will come to make kids feel more comfortable walking to the Downtown Club after school.

Parents have shared their concerns with the club and some said have trouble parking for their children’s soccer practice and other sports.

The club has worked hard to attract more tweens and teens .

They offer memberships for $60 a year.

Kids can choose two 45 minutes activities plus a study period each day.

Activities include basketball, pottery, culinary arts, and computer classes.

There are also reading, homework and teen rooms.

For more information about The Downtown Club visit https://www.boysandgirlssb.org

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Below is a press release from Habitat SLO regarding the Playhouse Program providing joy and hands-on collaboration to the Paso Robles Boys & Girls Club

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County (Habitat SLO) recently delivered six custom playhouses through its Playhouse Program, giving local children safe, imaginative spaces while bringing together volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.

Five playhouses were gifted to families across San Luis Obispo County, while one was delivered to the Paso Robles Boys & Girls Club—where children began playing inside just moments after it was assembled.

The Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Camp sponsored and decorated four playhouses, tailoring each to the needs of the children who would receive them. The Rotary Club of Atascadero sponsored and decorated two additional playhouses. Together, students, interns, and community leaders worked side by side to bring the colorful structures to life.

Deliveries were made to families in Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Atascadero, including Habitat SLO’s first-ever indoor installation. The four-by-five-foot playhouses were transported and assembled by a team that included Habitat SLO Program Manager Colleen Stefanek; Cal Poly Girls Build organizer and Construction Management Professor Stacy Kolegraff; and Bank of AmericaStudent Leader interns Nathan Robasciotti and Gustavo Ocampo.

“Seeing the joy and gratitude on each child’s face as we set up their new playhouse was truly unforgettable,” said Robasciotti. “Giving them something they can call their own, a space to play and just be a kid, makes a huge impact.”

“From the moment of delivery to the final stages of building, creating these playhouses was an incredible and heartwarming experience,” added Ocampo. “One of the most rewarding parts was seeing the children’s faces light up once their playhouses were complete.”

Stefanek emphasized the value of youth leadership and education: “Partnering with the Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Camp for the second year was so much fun. I love seeing these young women work together while learning new skills, to create a beautiful, meaningful space for children in our community.”

At the Boys & Girls Club in Paso Robles, the excitement was immediate. “Our kiddos are having a blast playing in the playhouse, and we are so appreciative of all the people who helped make this possible,” said Alora McNulty, Flamson Club Director. As children crowded inside to explore, 7-year-old Xander summed it up simply: “Wow! This is so cool. Thank you.”

Habitat SLO’s Playhouse Program gives volunteers and sponsors a hands-on way to build community while creating spaces for children to dream, play, and grow. Proceeds from the program also help fund Habitat SLO’s broader mission of building homes, communities, and hope.

For more information or to support Habitat SLO County, contact Dawn Smith at dawn@habitatslo.org or call 805-316-1192.

About Habitat for Humanity SLO CountyHabitat for Humanity SLO County is a non-profit organization that brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat SLO County began building homes in 2003 and has completed 26 homes from Cambria to Grover Beach.

Since 1997, we have built, repaired, and rehabilitated houses throughout San Luis Obispo County. We believe in a world where everyone has a decent place to live. By building and improving homes, we create strong and stable communities. Habitat for Humanity SLO County strives to make decent, sustainable, and affordable housing a reality for all.

About the Cal Poly Girls Build Summer CampThe Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Camp is a free, week-long day camp designed for local high school girls. Hosted by Cal Poly’s Construction Management department, the program offers hands‑on experience in architecture, engineering, and construction.

Participants learn tool safety, build projects, and hear from women professionals and Cal Poly alumni. Now in its fourth year, the camp empowers girls to explore careers in the skilled trades and leadership roles in the built environment.

About the Bank of America Student Leaders ProgramThe Bank of America Student Leaders Program connects high school juniors and seniors with paid summer internships at local nonprofits. It provides leadership development through a national summit in Washington, D.C. The program empowers young people to develop civic, social, and business leadership skills while making an impact in their communities.

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Below is a press release from Ventura Unified School District regarding Facility Projects funded by Measure E

VENTURA, Calif. – Over this past summer, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) made significant progress on campus upgrades and modernizations funded by Measure E, the $434 million bond measure approved by voters in November 2022. VUSD recently welcomed students back for the 2025–26 school year, and VUSD is reflecting on the measurable impact of these projects and expressing deep gratitude to the community for its investment in public education.

“Thanks to the support of our voters, we’re making substantive and visible improvements to our campuses that will benefit generations of students,” said Dr. Antonio Castro, Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District. “From safer learning environments to modern infrastructure and long-overdue repairs, Measure E is helping us create campuses that better support the way students learn and thrive.”

Project Highlights to Date

Over the summer of 2025, dozens of projects reached completion or key milestones across the district’s 28 campuses. Highlights include:

Safety & Security

529 new security cameras installed across 14 campuses, with more underway.

Security fencing upgrades completed at Portola and scheduled at Anacapa and Cabrillo.

Fire sprinkler repairs and access ramp improvements for enhanced safety.

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

All campuses now have energy-saving LED lighting, including stadiums at Buena and Ventura High Schools.

Districtwide solar installations are underway, with projected annual savings of $2 million and the added benefit of shade structures.

Upgraded HVAC systems using high-efficiency heat pumps are under construction or in design at multiple sites, beginning with the hottest areas of the district.

Playgrounds & Outdoor Learning

New inclusive playgrounds built at 4 elementary schools, with 13 more in design or planned through 2028.

Design features include age-appropriate TK play areas, accessible equipment, and natural shade from new trees.

Facilities Modernization

Roofing replacements completed at 4 schools, with additional work scheduled through 2028.

LED, HVAC, and solar work planned for Ventura Adult & Continuing Education.

Upgrades made to learning spaces and support facilities, including a new culinary classroom at Buena High and performing arts center improvements at Ventura High.

General Improvements

Projects include pool heater and chemical system replacements, concrete ramps, structural repairs, landscaping refreshes, and electrical upgrades—improving daily functionality districtwide.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next

While summer 2025 marks a major step forward, VUSD is just getting started. Upcoming major projects include:

Athletic stadium resurfacing and fieldhouse construction at Buena and Ventura High

Restroom restorations at Cabrillo

PA system and security enhancements across all campuses

Painting, exterior, and accessibility upgrades at multiple campuses

Full pool replacements at both Buena and Ventura High Schools

To ensure taxpayer dollars go even further, VUSD is actively pursuing state matching grants.

“This is a long-term investment in our students, our teachers, and our community,” said Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Dr. Ahsan Mirza. “We are deeply thankful to the voters who made Measure E possible.”

About Measure E

Measure E was placed on the ballot in November 2022 in response to the district’s Long Range Facilities Master Plan (2020–2030), which outlined the need to modernize aging schools and bring facilities up to current health, safety, and educational standards. VUSD spans approximately 165 square miles, serving approximately 14,000 students across 28 school sites, from preschool through adult education.

While VUSD students continue to thrive academically and socially, many facilities are over 50 years old and in urgent need of repairs. Measure E funding enables the district to upgrade infrastructure, improve accessibility, increase energy efficiency, and build learning environments that support modern teaching and learning.

Learn MoreFor a full breakdown of completed and upcoming projects, visit:

Measure E Website: https://www.venturausd.org/about/measure-e

Board Presentation (June 24, 2025): Watch Here

Project Photo Gallery: View Summer 2025 Progress Photos

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Below is a press release from the County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness regarding the 2025 John Kovacs Scholarship Awards

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness is announcing the opening of the application period for its annual John Kovacs Scholarship award, designed for persons who identify as having mental health and/or substance use experience, also known as “peers.” This scholarship program was made available through a generous donation from the John Kovacs Revocable Trust which was gifted to Behavioral Wellness. To honor the memory of John Kovacs, the Department established a Memorial Scholarship that awards up to two $2,500 scholarships annually.

Applications are due by September 30th, 2025. The applications will be scored in October and the announcement of 2025 John Kovacs scholarship recipients will occur at the annual Peer celebration in the end of November or beginning of December. For Peers interested in applying, the application can be found online and completed in English here and in Spanish here.

2024 Kovacs awardee Arthur Marroquin shares, “The scholarship helped me catch up on debts, which opened the door to saving, finding stable housing, and balancing work and college.” “Being seen and supported made a difference not only in my life, but in my children’s, who proudly celebrated with me at graduation.”

“This award gave me more than financial help, it restored my faith in people,” shares 2024 awardee Vincent Saucedo. “It brought me security, shelter, and hope at a time when anger felt easier than gratitude. It renewed my hope and inspired me to pay it forward.”

Recipients, as people who embody tenacity, resiliency and overcoming of barriers are selected through a committee process. Applicants must self-identify as having lived experience in the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both; either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer. In addition, applicants must show a demonstrated need and explain how these funds will help bridge an important gap, address an unmet necessity, or make a significant difference in helping to achieve a life changing goal.

To learn more about County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, please visit https://www.countyofsb.org/274/Behavioral-Wellness. For assistance accessing Behavioral Wellness services, call the 24/7 toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line at (888) 868-1649.

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Caleb Nguyen

VENTURA, Calif. – Jesse Andrew Mendoza, a 20-year-old Santa Barbara man, received a conviction from a Ventura County jury Monday after assaulting a California Highway Patrol officer during a DUI arrest in 2024, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

The jury found Mendoza guilty on several charges, and the man faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in state prison upon sentencing, according to the VCDAO.

CHP officers stopped Mendoza’s car on Oct. 5, 2024, after seeing it swerve and speed through traffic on the southbound Highway 101, according to the VCDAO.

Mendoza showed signs of impairment and didn’t pass a sobriety test before his DUI arrest, according to the VCDAO.

Mendoza then slipped from his handcuffs during his transport to the CHP Ventura station. Mendoza attacked the officer driving the patrol vehicle by clawing at the officer’s face and neck, according to the VCDAO.

The officer avoided the Mendoza’s attack before the Santa Barbara man fled on foot from the patrol car, according to the VCDAO.

Officers then chased Mendoza and had to carry him back to the patrol vehicle. One of the officers had facial injuries from the attack but has since recovered, according to the VCDAO.

Patrol car video footage showed Mendoza messing with his handcuffs before the attack, according to the VCDAO.

Mendoza also had a previous conviction for assault with a deadly weapon and personally inflicting great bodily injury in Santa Barbara County five months before the DUI arrest, according to the VCDAO.

Mendoza is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 16 and remains in custody without bail under the following charges, according to the VCDAO:

Charges:

PC 245(c) – Assault upon a peace officer

PC 240 – Assault

PC 836.6(b) – Escape from arrest

PC 148(a)(1) – Resist, obstruct, delay of peace officer

VC 23152(a) – Diving while under the influence of any alcoholic beverage

VC 23152(b) – Driving with a 0.08% or higher blood alcohol

Special Allegations:

PC 667S2 – Prior strike 2

PC 1170(h)(3) – Prior serious or violent felony

PC 667(a)(1) – Serious felony prior

CRC 4.421(a)(1)

CRC 4.421(b)(4)

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — People are buzzing about a surprise Maroon 5 concert at Validation Ale in the Funk Zone on Saturday.

Adam Levine and the band performed for about 30 minutes starting around 4:30 p.m., drawing such a large crowd that the street outside had to be shut down. The set featured a mix of fan favorites and songs from their new album, Love Is Like….

Flyers for the pop-up show began appearing on poles and other spots in the area on Friday. Local radio station KJEE ran spots about the show Friday evening and into Saturday morning, helping to build excitement.

Even so, many people were skeptical until social media posts confirmed it was real.

Levine, who lives in Montecito and has children attending Crane Country Day School, has close ties to the area. Some members of the band also performed locally at the One805 charity concert in 2023.

The band kicks off their Love is Like tour in the U.S. starting October 6th in Phoenix, Arizona. The tour features dates in Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Francisco and more!

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. – With crews closing in on full containment of the Gifford Fire, firefighting operations that have been ongoing around the clock for more than two weeks are winding down.

“Things are looking great on the Gifford Fire,” Rich Eagan, Gifford Fire Information Officer said on Monday morning. “Currently, we’re at 91% containment. It’s definitely not out and we do have some weather coming at the end of this week I’m told, but we’re we’re a lot closer to wrapping this thing up.”

After an aggressive backfiring operation last week helped crews gain the upper hand and essentially wiped out all of the active flames by Friday, the bulk of the ongoing work is now mop up duties.

“It’s mundane work,” said Eagan. “Scratching line, picking up hose equipment. Any damage that’s been done to properties such as gates, stuff like that, they’ll repair those. It’s just basically mopping up the fire at this point. Pretty tedious, mundane work. It’s still necessary and that will continue on. That’ll continue on until we have 100% containment on this fire.”

On Monday, crews were once again working in the hillsides east of Santa Margarita in the area in and around the Garcia Wilderness, the location that was the site of last week’s successful burning operation.

“The past couple days we’ve been working near the Pozo Saloon, doing rehab and restoration projects,” said Dalton Thomas, Sierra National Forest Engineering Forestry Assistant. “When the fire comes through, obviously the dozers push in initial attack fire lines to try to stop for a progression of the fire, so our job once the fire kind of settles down is to do rehab and rehab takes a lot. It takes a lot of moving parts and a lot of different pieces of equipment. The main part with rehab is just trying to make things look how it used to be and try to get it to look as natural as possible.”

Even as they continue to work to finish full containment, crews are also taking time to reflect on the overall operation that saw nearly 5,000 firefighters and personnel from across California and beyond work together against the biggest wildfire in the state this year.

“It’s a relief knowing that we’re kind of on the tail end,” said Thomas. “Waking up first couple days in camp, seeing the giant plume, you’re like, oh man, there’s going to be some hard work, but now, to see clear skies and that smell of smoke starting to go away, it’s a relief because you know that you did solid work and you know that you helped out a lot of communities.”

At the same time full containment draws closer, the demobilization process for the Incident Command Post (ICP) at the Santa Margarita Ranch is also in full swing.

“Demobilization is happening right now,” said Eagan. “It’s been happening since Friday, basically. They’re demobilizing about 800 people a day, so I suspect come midweek, it’ll be just the people that need to be here. All the other agencies, big agencies will go home to their home units.”

Eagan also mentioned the ICP will shift south to Santa Maria to the Elks Event Center where operations were based out for a few days following the start of the fire on Aug. 1.

“The transition happens tomorrow at 7 a.m.,” said Eagan. “The U.S. Forest Service has taken over this incident. We will be moving our operations back to the Santa Maria camp. This camp is just buttoning up and then they’ll move the stuff that they need to down to the other camp.”

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Ivania Montes

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – When Cara Winnewisser first thought about racing, she had a simple realization: “I realized that normal people can do this — so why can’t I?”

That moment sparked a journey that would take her from motherhood to the open waters, roads, and trails of the Santa Barbara Triathlon.

Cara grew up swimming, but after a difficult pregnancy and delivery with twin boys, returning to athletics felt daunting. She joined Tower 26, the presenting sponsor of the triathlon, led by renowned coach Gerry Rodrigues.

At first, she doubted herself. “I thought, I’m not good enough for a coach like that,” she said. But Rodrigues quickly reassured her.

“Yes, I’ve trained elite athletes,” Coach Gerry Rodrigues said. “But most of my athletes are everyday people who just want to get out there and improve. Cara has been remarkable — she’s reshaped her fitness and confidence in just a year.”

Swimming became Cara’s foundation. “It was the best thing I could have done,” she said. “It gave me a baseline to make everything else stronger — then I could start running and cycling again.”

Consistency has been key. Rodrigues added, “Life’s about consistency. Over time, that’s what defines success.”

Cara’s husband and children are central to her training journey. “He’s very encouraging. If I ever try to back out, he asks, ‘Are you going to practice tomorrow?’”

Her sons have even joined in with mini-triathlons around their neighborhood. “They see me training, and it teaches them skills and the value of physical activity,” she said.

The Santa Barbara Triathlon itself is a feat of coordination. Race director Elizabeth Rodrigues calls it “organized chaos.”

“It’s three different events coming together — the ocean swim, the bike course, and the run,” she explained. “Our team, including crew captains and even our kids are involved, ensures everything is ready for athletes by race day. Most people have no idea how much goes on behind the scenes.”

Despite the logistics, Rodrigues emphasizes fun above all. “We want participants to come to the beach, be athletic, and chase their goals while enjoying the day.”

For the run, Cara trains with the Santa Barbara Running and Racing group. She calls it one of the most rewarding parts of the triathlon experience.

“It’s a very individual sport — you can’t compare yourself to others. But the team support helps, and there’s always a way to better yourself,” she said.

This year, Cara hopes to improve her previous race time. But her biggest takeaway isn’t just the stopwatch.

“You can always push yourself a little more,” she said. “It’s incredible to see what you’re capable of. I’ve grown so much in the last couple of years, and I feel amazing.”

For more information on the Santa Barbara Triathlon, you can head on over to their official page.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is taking action to ensure fresh, locally-grown food reaches families in need after the recent cancellation of a federal program.

This season, the county officially launched the ‘Farm to Foodbank’ initiative, connecting local farmers directly with area foodbanks.

The program replaces the USDA-supported Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) program, which had provided fresh produce but was recently canceled – leaving a critical gap in the food supply chain.

Organizers say the initiative guarantees that fruits and vegetables grown in Santa Barbara County reach individuals and families facing food insecurity, while also supporting the county’s farmers and strengthening the local agricultural community.

Officials hope the program will establish a reliable and sustainable food network across the county, ensuring that residents have consistent access to fresh, nutritious food while local farmers continue to thrive.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Weekend protests drew critics of the Trump administration’s actions in Santa Barbara.

Participants called Saturday a National Day of Action to push back against the president. A sidewalk rally on Upper State Street stretched along both sides of the road between Hitchcock and Hope avenues from 10 a.m. to noon.

Organizers and participants said the demonstration was sparked by recent developments in Texas, where Trump ordered the state to redraw its electoral map to deliver him five additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 election. Protesters warned that the effort could soon expand to Missouri, Ohio, and other states, calling it a political emergency.

“Trump’s allies are undermining fair elections, silencing voters of color, and holding entire communities hostage to push their political agenda,” one flyer read. “We need action—not just in Texas, but everywhere. That’s why we’re part of a National Day of Action, joining our friends in Texas to fight back.”

Many in Santa Barbara echoed those concerns.

“I have no option but to be here, because I’m so distressed by what’s happening in my country,” said Linda Stewart-Oaten. “It’s like 1984. It’s happening while we watch, and I cannot watch. I have to be part of the resistance.”

In Solvang, protesters held a rally they called Protect Our Checks, raising concerns about potential impacts to Medicaid and other safety net programs.

The demonstrations coincided with nationwide protests marking the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act.

There were no visible counterprotests nearby.

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