Author: KEYT

Andie Lopez Bornet

Winds have died down Wednesday and brought mostly clear skies through the region. Thursday will be the warmest day of the rest of the work week, before a cooling trend arrives on Friday. First Alert Weather is tracking a very weak trough of low pressure that will make its way to the Central Coast and LA areas. Onshore Flow strengthens on Thursday as well, so it expect some gloomy and cooler temperatures as we head into our late Thursday evening, when temperatures drop.

Winds are expected to stay on the calmer side for the next couple of days with occasional sundowner breezes depending on your microclimate. Temperatures on Thursday will be in the high 60s close to 70s and for the inland areas, temperatures will be in the 80s, Thursday will definitely be one of the days where it’s warm in the sun and cold in the shade, so keep a light jacket handy.

By Friday, the cooling trend deepens and mostly cloudy skies are expected. There is a small chance of afternoon clear skies closer to the coasts, but models are showing a small chance currently. Saturday will be the coldest day of the cooling trend. With the trough and onshore flow, the marine layer is expected to be dense enough to produce light mist and drizzle. Plan for gloomy and wet conditions on Saturday.

Through the weekend, temperatures will be 5-15 degrees below average for this time of year. As we head into our work week next week, we’re tracking a warming trend that will last a few days.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – After years of preparation, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) recently opened its long-planned new North County headquarters in Santa Maria.

“This is a landmark for the Air Pollution Control District,” said Aeron Arlin Genet, APCD Executive Direction/Air Pollution Control Officer. “We’ve been working out of Santa Maria, but not in our own building and this establishes a strong foothold for us in the community, for our staff, for the sources that we regulate and for the general public that we serve.”

The sleek modern-looking two-story building is located on West McCoy Lane and replaces a much smaller office the agency occupied that was located in the downtown area close to the Santa Maria Town Center mall.

“We have great space to conduct meetings, workshops, organize with other non-profit organizations to hold functions here at our facility,” said Arlin Genet. “In addition to housing our staff and our office needs, we also have a lab so we can work with our monitoring and our enforcement equipment to ensure that they’re all in proper working functions, so we can then enable them out into the field.”

APCD purchased the building in 2021, and according to an agency release, remodeled with it sustainable concepts in mind that include, metal-insulated siding and roofing panels to provide a highly insulated building; dual-glazed windows that reflect heat and provide an improved weather seal, heat pumps for heating and cooling, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 13 filters for clean indoor air quality and Clean Air Center capability, thermostats in each room to minimize energy use, skylights to increase natural light; and high-efficiency LED lighting throughout.

“This building was a significant investment for the air district,” said Arlin Genet. “We were able to invest not only for the district itself, but for our staff, but more importantly for the community that we serve. We want to be local. We want to be present. We want to be top of the mind. When you have air quality questions or concerns, you know where we are and you can come in and talk to us in person or online. We have online resources available at ourair.org.”

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The oil industry has shaped Santa Barbara county’s history, but it’s not likely to be a big part of it’s future.

County supervisors voted to move away from fossil fuels. 

At the end of the day, the Board of Supervisors are adopting resolutions to phase out any remaining oil and gas production projects, and to ban applications for any future projects onshore.

It’s been estimated that a rapid, planned phasing out of oil and gas production can save Santa Barbara county 100 million dollars by the year 2045.

“Do we want to be investing in jobs related to clean economy or ones that in a dwindling oil and gas economy?” says Laura Capps, Santa Barbara County Supervisor.

A report from UCSB says a project to phase out current infrastructure would create jobs, as the lengthy process requires the same skill set as operation.

“People are very attached either trying to transition away from it or trying to make sure that it stays here. So I it’s a very hot topic. And we had a good debate on really the future of this county. And do we want to be investing in jobs related to clean economy or ones that in a dwindling oil and gas economy where there’s really just about 100 jobs in the oil and gas industry now?” says Capps.

County supervisors voted 3-1 in favor of the resolution phasing out oil production on Tuesday.

Supervisor Bob Nelson cast the sole “no” vote.

“Probably the most disappointing day that I’ve ever had at County Board of Supervisors. It was a complete snow job where a county staff member and department worked with environmental nonprofits to actively work on destroying an important industry in our county,” says Supervisor Nelson.

He says his district is composed of a significant number of families who depend on work from the fossil fuel industry, and that they want him to fight for their jobs.

“I see this as really political theater, just like the Sable Pipeline. Actions that have been advocated by those in the environmental nonprofits in our county. You know, they’ve tried to drag the county into lawsuits which have cost us time and money where we had really no say in whether the pipeline starts again. This is the same thing here,” says Nelson. 

Board chair Laura Capps says the transition away from outdated fossil fuel technology is fiscally prudent and essential, a step that will protect the well being of generations.

Supervisor Nelson acknowledges a future of clean energy does make sense, but that the fossil fuel industry can be part of the solution, not just seen as the problem.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – That college degree earned a few years ago and the thought of making around $100,000 a year someday soon may not be enough in Santa Barbara County.

A new report says a single person making $98,850 in Santa Barbara County is still considered low income.

In the Bay area – Marin, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Francisco counties that figure is $100,000.This comes at a time when social service and non-profit groups serving those living on the edge say their numbers are growing and the demand is not going down.

The data comes from the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Some of these figures are used to determine housing programs and funding plans to offset the costs, for example, for first time home buyers and certain loans or other financial assistance.

Both San Diego and Orange Counties have had changes similar to Santa Barbara County.

The high cost of housing is believed to be a key factor in the calculations.  A single person making six-figures could be above the median income of the area, but because of the lofty prices for housing, they fall into a low income range. Checking on several sites including Zillow, the average price of a home is around $1.8 million in Santa Barbara  and about $650 thousand in Santa Maria.

“This is one of the more expensive places on the planet. So in a way, it’s a choice that’s involved there,” said Jay McGrath in downtown Wednesday. “You’ve got to factor it in when you’re young, especially. You sort of figure it’s going to be hard going for a while? “

To get beyond the new level described as low income, it will take a higher paying  job  or multiple jobs at once.

Cristian Arambula said, “Yes. Two jobs and like five side quest and, some overtime. Yeah. Everyone’s kind of doing what they can. The side hustle is real. Yeah, absolutely. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash. You can do some production stuff. I work with livestock. I do massage now. I just came from a modeling gig.”

Connor Winship said,  “you know, prices of food have definitely increased .”  He also says he leaves his car behind to save some money.  “I am lucky to drive to work if I want to. I could bike to work if I want to.  I haven’t been too impacted personally”

The economics of living in these times have many residents stretching out their working years.

McGrath said, “I do, and I see more people who are retired who are not really retiring. They’re working past retirement. They’re getting both their benefits, and then they go out and get a side gig.”

More information can be found at: California Department of Housing and Community Development 

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Alissa Orozco

GOLETA, Calif. – The City of Goleta announced today that the Goleta Police Department will be holding a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location on Friday, May 16th from 6:00pm – 2:00am. Officers will be looking for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The city says checkpoint locations are chosen on past history of DUI crashes and arrests.

The Police Department reminds the community of the dangers of driving impaired – not just from alcohol. While the use of medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of it is not. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also interfere with driving. Anyone ingesting and smoking anything that can affect their ability to drive, should stay home.

The police department says drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

For more information, visit the city’s website.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Alma de Mexico is now practicing at Ortega Park after being displaced from their usual rehearsal space at La Casa de la Raza.

The city of Santa Barbara placed a red “unsafe” tag on the historic building last week, citing gas, electrical, entryway, and signage issues.

“We are trying to get ready for Old Spanish Days. The practice doesn’t stop, we have to keep going,” said instructor Jennifer Sanchez. “I have to provide classes for up to 45 girls. I’m teaching the next generation. Cultural preservation is the most important thing for this community, so I’m a strong advocate for that. Even if the building is closed, we have to keep going.”

Ballet folklórico is not the only class affected by the closure. A popular Zumba class is also expected to move to the park. Local bands that practiced at La Casa are also in need of new rehearsal spaces.

However, music rehearsals had previously led to noise complaints from a neighbor living in the condos across the street.

Other events, such as a recent Mother’s Day brunch, have relocated to Café La Fonda, not far from the Federal U.S. Bankruptcy Court, where La Casa de la Raza’s future is now being decided.

“It is very complicated, even within the bankruptcy world,” said Lisa Valencia Sherratt, Board President of the original La Casa de la Raza founded in the 1970s. “I understand from our counsel that we have many unique situations. The nonprofit, the original La Casa de la Raza, is in an involuntary bankruptcy with an associated case. That case went to mediation, and the result is that the building will be sold and have new ownership.”

The building, constructed in 1917, is considered a local landmark.

“La Casa de la Raza is actually listed in the conditional use permit. It started as a community center, and from what I understand, whoever buys it will have to continue using it as a community center,” said Valencia Sherratt.

The timing of the sale depends on court paperwork.

“We are waiting for a settlement agreement to be issued. Once that’s out, the sale will be open, which actually gives us hope for who might buy it next and where we go from there.”

Sources familiar with the court filings estimate the building could be sold for around $4.3 million, though that amount could change. There is optimism that a buyer aiming to restore it to its former glory might acquire it for less.

Valencia Sherratt also addressed confusion over the use of the La Casa de la Raza name. She said the original group of volunteers is developing a new website under the official La Casa de la Raza name. Meanwhile, the displaced volunteer group has been using the name “La Casa Founders” for its website.

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Caleb Nguyen

ISLA VISTA, Calif. – Fire crews rescued a 74-year-old man from high tide after two men tried helping him on the beach in Isla Vista, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The two men tried calling 911 when the 74-year-old was caught against the cliff near Del Playa and Camino Pescadero, according to the SBCFD.

Firefighter swimmers then rescued the 74-year-old to safety and took him to Cottage Hospital for an evaluation, detailed the SBCFD.

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Caleb Nguyen

ISLA VISTA, Calif. – A car crash hurt two pedestrians in Isla Vista just before 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

One pedestrian, both adult females, had major injuries from the crash. The other had minor injuries after being hit by a solo female driver at Camino Pescadero and Sabado Tarde, according to the SBCFD.

The SBCFD detailed that both pedestrians were helped via ground ambulance to the Cottage Hospital ER. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Free movies at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens are back this summer with a full lineup of movies centered around man’s friend.

The “Dog Days of Summer” movie series will begin July 11th, and will run every Friday night this summer through August 29th, with an exception on August 1st due to Fiesta.

The dog-themed movies will kick off with Disney’s 101 Dalmatians at 8:30pm. The following movies include:

July 18th – The Sandlot
August 15th – Isle of Dogs

July 25th – Best in Show
August 22nd – Marley and Me

August 8th – My Dog Skip
August 29th – Dog

Movie watchers can set up their spot on the lawn starting at 12pm that Friday of the screening – only blankets are allowed and low-back chairs are recommended.

Guests are invited to bring their own food and drinks, as concessions will not be sold on-site.

Click here for more information about the Free Summer Movies Series.

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Dave Alley

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. – A road construction project described as the biggest in the history of Arroyo Grande will soon begin and will bring significant traffic impacts for several months.

On Tuesday evening, Arroyo Grande held an official groundbreaking to kick off the Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project.

In the works for several years, the project will most notably include the complete replacement of the nearly 100-year old Traffic Way Bridge.

The bridge, which is located just off of West Branch Street, is traveled by 11,000 vehicles daily, and is an integral part of the city’s infrastructure that helps link the Village area to the southwest portion of city, including Arroyo Grande High School.

During the project, the entire bridge will be removed, followed by the construction of a newer, more modern version, thus causing a portion of Traffic Way to close to traffic.

As a result, several traffic modifcations have been designed to create an entirely new flow of traffic through the popular Village area.

“We have to remove the bridge in its entirety and shut down traffic way between Station Way and West Branch Street,” said Shannon Sweeney, Arroyo Grande City Engineer. “Because of that, we’ll need a pretty significant detour. We have put in place a lot of (changes) to try to alleviate congestion.”

Among the new traffic patterns will be the creation of one-way traffic going northbound on nearby Bridge Street, which will also include a temporary signal at the intersection of West Branch Street.

A temporary traffic signal is also being installed at the intersection of the Highway 101 southbound offramp and Fair Oaks Avenue.

In addition, a new traffic circle was recently installed on Fair Oaks Avenue outside the Arroyo Grande High School parking lot to allow for vehicles exiting the school to turn left.

“This is a collaborative project with the city,” said Arroyo Grande High School principal Brad Grumbles. “That’s why it’s in our AG blue and gold, but it’s a collaborative project. Please be patient with us as there’s growing pains. All of this is for the betterment of the community. It allows us to get the legal left, which will allow traffic to head in the proper direction while the bridge project is taking place, so we’re excited to be a part of it. The city has been extremely helpful and communicative throughout this whole project, so I’m optimistic of what it’s going to bring to the community and what it will do for traffic flow in the future.”

The city is emphasizing to the public that all driveways to businesses along Traffic Way will remain open and accessible throughout the entire length of the project.

However, nearby business owners are worried about potential impacts the construction may have on the ability of customers to navigate all of the different changes.

“One of the concerns I have that I think a lot of the businesses have is that if it feels too difficult for people, that they may avoid the village altogether,” said Renee Westerhuis, who has owned the The Green Room hair salon in the Village for 37 years. “I’m really trying to keep faith that my clientele are loyal enough and they’re going to deal with whatever they have to deal with to get to me. They are closing the entrance to the street that goes up to my parking lot, the direct way up to my parking lot, which is also a concern for me, so I’m having to direct people through a different parking lot through the park.”

The project is slated to cost $11 million and is projected to be completed by Nov. 26, 2025.  

For more information about Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project, click here to view the City of Arroyo Grande’s official webpage for the project.

“We are encouraging anybody who uses Traffic Way on a normal basis to check out the city’s website,” said Sweeney. “There’s a website for this project where we do regular updates. The detour maps can be found there and also upcoming important dates.”

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