Author: KEYT

Ivania Montes

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Aly Corvin is on a mission.

As Miss Wheelchair California 2025, she’s not just representing her state—she’s redefining what it means to live fully as a person with a disability.

She is now going for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America, a pageant held in Grand Rapids, Michigan from August 18th through the 24th.

“I compete with a platform called Access to Adventure,” Aly explains. “I help people find adaptive equipment, experiences, nonprofits, programs—so they can get out into their community and try new things.”

Her advocacy is personal. After years of misdiagnoses, Aly was finally diagnosed with multiple genetic conditions between 2020 and 2022. For a time, she regained enough strength to only use a wheelchair in emergencies. But a traumatic brain injury in 2024 meant full-time wheelchair use outside her home.

Aly shares with us that the Miss Wheelchair program isn’t a pageant—it’s a competition based on advocacy. “The best part about this program is it’s comprised of different nonprofits. It’s about the work you do, the advocacy you pursue, and making a difference for others in the community,” she says.

Aly’s journey as a professional dancer, aerialist, and adaptive athlete exemplifies her goal: disability is not a limitation—it’s an invitation to innovate. She’s tried adaptive surfing, baseball, rugby, shooting, cycling, and skiing, often testing new experiences so others can eventually access them safely.

“Human connection is the only way we’re going to progress as a society,” she says. “When people step into our shoes—or wheels—they understand what it’s like to navigate life with a disability. That’s how we improve accessibility everywhere.”

As she prepares to compete for Miss Wheelchair America, Aly says her focus is on community, connection, and raising awareness. “I don’t care if I win. The community I’ve found and the opportunities to share these platforms—that’s what matters most.”

She’s also embracing life beyond advocacy, exploring Santa Barbara and dreaming of adventures like skydiving and hiking. “I love letting people experience what it’s like to navigate life in a wheelchair. It changes perspectives—and that’s how we build a more inclusive world.”

On Friday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m. PT, former Ms. Wheelchair California Jennifer Kumiyama will host a virtual send-off rally for Aly as she prepares to compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant.

Link to RSVP is found here.

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Ryder Christ

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday described their high-stakes summit in Alaska as productive, signaling potential progress toward a Ukraine cease-fire but offering no concrete details and breaking with diplomatic tradition by declining to take questions from reporters afterward.

The closed-door talks, the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House, lasted several hours and focused heavily on the war in Ukraine, NATO and U.S.-Russia relations. Few details were made public, but both leaders cast the discussions in positive terms.

Putin opened the joint briefing by acknowledging strained U.S.-Russia ties, a departure from protocol in which the American president typically speaks first when hosting a foreign counterpart. “Our negotiations have been held in a mutually respectful atmosphere,” he said, adding that the two nations “are close neighbors” across the Bering Strait and should work to “turn the page” in their relationship.

On Ukraine, Putin said ending the war requires eliminating “the primary cause of that conflict” and that any deal must “consider all legitimate concerns of Russia and reinstate a just balance of security in Europe and in the world on the whole.” He also warned Ukrainian and European leaders not to derail “emerging progress” and said “the security of Ukraine should be ensured.” At one point, Putin said the war “would not have happened” had Trump been president in 2022.

Trump called the meeting “extremely productive” and said “many points were agreed to,” but cautioned, “There is no deal until there is a deal. We did not get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there.” He said he and Putin “made some headway” and “great progress” in their bilateral meeting, and that he would brief NATO leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and “other appropriate officials” in the coming days.

Neither leader disclosed the specifics of any agreements, and no enforcement mechanisms, timelines or cease-fire terms were announced. Putin reiterated that Ukraine’s security must be ensured but did not appear to back down from Russia’s core demands.

The meeting in Alaska carried symbolic weight, with both men invoking historical cooperation between their nations, including joint efforts during World War II. Trump also highlighted the potential to “stop thousands of people a week from being killed” in Ukraine, though he did not provide a source for the figure.

Looking ahead, Putin said he and Trump have developed “businesslike and trustworthy contact.” As the briefing concluded, the Russian leader extended an invitation: “Next time in Moscow,” to which Trump replied, “I could see it possibly happening.”

For now, the path to peace remains uncertain, but both leaders signaled they want to keep talking.

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Christer Schmidt

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Screen addiction is making it harder for people to relax — even on vacation — according to Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Brianna Paruolo, who says constant digital connection can fuel burnout.

Paruolo, who operates a private psychotherapy practice, said she’s seeing “an overwhelming trend around the belief of self-worth being tied to how online you are, particularly being available.” She noted that work emails, texts and the temptation to scroll can create “an intense pressure of being on, even when you do have scheduled time off.”

Certain personality traits can make it harder to unplug, she added, especially for those in roles where others depend on them — whether in the workplace, within a family, or in the community. “If I can’t do it, who else will? So it’s a very hard and tricky balance,” she said.

Paruolo cautioned that without regular breaks from screens, “you’re gonna burn out,” urging people to “give that energy to yourself and start small to try to decompress.” She compared the pull of phone notifications to gambling’s use of intermittent reinforcement. “You don’t know necessarily when that text or email or job offer is going to come through, but when it does, you want to chase that good feeling again,” she said.

Rather than quitting cold turkey, Paruolo recommends starting with “micro changes.” She advises people to first observe what they’re searching for online and then add small hurdles to break habits — such as using a non-dominant hand to pick up the phone.

She also encourages reflecting on personal values and relationships outside of technology. “Is my importance solely tied to my phone? What meaning and value am I doing outside in those relationships? Can I nurture them more as well as nurturing myself?” she said.

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Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy placed a spotlight on America’s problem with loneliness when he declared the issue an epidemic in the spring of 2023. Studies have linked loneliness to depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease and even premature death. “Isolation is equivalent to smoking. I think 15 packs of cigarets per week. And so it’s really important to fight that social isolation through connection,” said Wyzr Co-founder Joy Taylor.

Joy Taylor created an app with her friend Carolyn Kelly called WYZR (pronounced “Wiser”). It is an activity- based friendship app designed to help adults over 40 create meaningful connections. “People like myself, I’m an empty nester. I’m new to a city. People are busy. It’s not for just lonely people. People are very busy working, doing things, and they can’t find the time to actually make a connection,” said Wyzr Co-founder Carolyn Kelly.

The app highlights shared interests, health and wellness goals, and community activities. “You can join based on your six interests and your two health and wellness goals. If you have a goal that’s spiritual or physical health or mental health, you can connect and meet people who have those same goals as well,” said Taylor. There are even options to carpool to events together and discover new hobbies. A study from the American Psychiatric Association shows half of Americans say when they feel lonely they ease the feelings by finding a distraction like TV, podcasts, or social media. But the WYZR founders say their goal is to use technology to get away from technology. “In southern California, especially in tri county, people are spread out. Right. It’s hard to meet people. You’re not in an urban area where you’re bumping into people. it helps bring people together based on these shared interests and health and wellness goals. And there’s nothing out there other than dating apps like Tinder and Bumble or Meetup where it’s a group activity and this is really about one on one,” said Taylor. The founders say the decision to focus in on one-on- one dynamics was an intentional one. “People are intimidated showing up to large groups. People cancel on large groups, but when you’re meeting people individually, there is more of an opportunity to really be your authentic, true self and to have accountability to show up,” said Taylor.

The Wyzer founders say the app has already facilitated over 300,000 friendship connections and is growing rapidly. 

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Rio Chesluk showed off all of her offensive talents as San Marcos cruised by Westlake 31-7 to win their home opener in girls flag football.

(Chesluk scored three touchdowns and threw for another TD, all in the second quarter).

The senior captain Chesluk ran for two touchdowns, threw for a TD and caught a touchdown all in the second quarter to lead the Royals to a 2-0 start to the season.

Early in the second quarter Victoria Aldana optioned the football to Chesluk for a short touchdown run for the first points of the game.

On the Royals next possession Aldana pitched to Chesluk who stopped and threw downfield to freshman Maya Llewellyn who caught the ball in the end zone.

Later in the second quarter on fourth-and-goal inside the one yard-line, Chesluk took the handoff and just got into the end zone to put the Royals up 18-0.

Chesluk capped off her big quarter by catching a short touchdown pass from Aldana with less than 30 seconds left in the first half.

(Aldana directs the Royals offense her passing and running ability. Entenza Design).

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – For the third consecutive season, UC Santa Barbara and LMU opened their seasons against each other. Similar to 2024, the Lions came out on top 2-1, scoring the game-winner in the 89th minute.

From Head Coach Paul Stumpf”That is a team that is very comfortable defending in a low block. They are best on counters and set pieces, and they scored on both,” Stumpf said. “The realist in me is disappointed about the result; the optimist in me is thankful it’s match one.”

How It HappenedJust moments after the opening kickoff, the Lions struck first. In the sixth minute, a corner kick from the near side landed in the box and bounced around after a failed clear attempt by UC Santa Barbara. The ball found the foot of an LMU player, whose shot deflected off a defender and beat Maddie Buckley in net for an early lead.

After the goal, both teams settled in. Santa Barbara countered a few times but could not find the back of the net. Shots by Isabella Ong, Emma Corcoran, Chayse Yu and Devin Greer were either blocked or sent wide. In the 34th minute, Kate Killer took a shot that was deflected, and the ball found Caitlyn Simons on a run in the 18-yard box. Simons fired a shot to the low left side, beating the keeper for her first collegiate goal to tie the match.

A few more chances by the Gauchos had the Lions on their heels, but the teams went into halftime tied 1-1. Out of the break, UCSB kept the pressure on, possessing the ball for most of the second half. Several good looks at the net followed, but the Gauchos couldn’t convert.

In the 89th minute, a misplayed ball just outside the box led to an LMU counter. A Lions attacker outran three Gaucho defenders from near midfield and scored, sealing the 2-1 victory.

Up NextUC Santa Barbara will have a week to prepare for California Baptist. The Gauchos and Lancers play Thursday, Aug. 21, at 7:30 p.m. at Harder Stadium.

(Article courtesy of UCSB Athletics).

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Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. – Kacey Hurley threw for two touchdowns and also rushed for a pair of TDs in a 59-6 Dos Pueblos rout over visiting Hueneme.

Earlier in the week DP blasted Westlake 50-7 in the Chargers season opener.

Ruby Streatfield ran for two touchdowns against Hueneme while her older sister Sterling Streatfield had an interception on defense.

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Caleb Nguyen

VENTURA, Calif. – An 82-year-old Ventura man died after a two-car crash at Wells and Darling Roads around 5:30 a.m. Thursday, according to the Ventura Police Department.

VPD officers found two drivers at the crash site, where the 82-year-old suffered major injuries, requiring hospital transport, where he later died, according to the VPD.

The second driver suffered a non-life-threatening injury and was also taken to the hospital for treatment, according to the VPD.

Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in this crash and the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the deceased’s identity once next-of-kin are notified, according to the VPD.

This remains an ongoing investigation and those with information on the crash are encouraged to speak to the VPD at the following phone number.

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Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Casa de la Raza translates to “Home of the People,” and it has been a refuge for community members for more than 50 years.

“In the past, there have been legal help, mental health services, mental wellness programs, exercise classes, Zumba. You know, there are so many things that happen here,” said Lisa Valencia Sherratt, Casa de la Raza Inc. Board President.

The original La Casa de la Raza nonprofit organization has been unable to operate for the past four years due to an involuntary bankruptcy case dating back to the summer of 2021. During that time, the courts appointed a trustee over the property and operations were temporarily halted, cutting off services at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when La Casa was providing hundreds of meals a week, financial support, eviction protection, and mental health services to low-income Eastside residents.

In its absence, a legally unaffiliated group known as La Casa Founders Holding Company or the Restorative Justice Education Center took over the space at at 601 East Montecito Street in an effort to provide similar services. That second group, led by Jacqueline Inda, has operated out of the historical building since, running a food pantry and offering support to families affected by the recent surge in immigration enforcement.

“The building, when we received it about five years ago, was about 45 percent condemned. We went in and rehabbed it room by room as a promise to the people who needed it and to the community, to keep the doors open,” said Inda.

In May 2025, city inspectors red-tagged the property for multiple code violations, declaring it unsafe to occupy. Following repairs, a second inspection in July allowed limited use, but certain areas remain closed until additional work is completed.

In July, a court settlement cleared the property for sale at an asking price of $4.35 million.

With the original La Casa group planning a return, it remains to be seen what happens to Inda’s role.

“There are a lot of different legal things going on and have been for at least five years, and at least 15 years before that, between different parties. Where I stand, and where I have stood for the last five years, is holding the space open. And we are the third link here,” said Inda.

Inda says her biggest fear is that a developer will buy the property and change its original mission.

“It makes my stomach turn because my kids grew up here, because this is home to so many people,” she said.

According to the Santa Barbara Independent, the advisory board for the original La Casa de la Raza, which includes Valencia Sherratt, Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino, Pete Leyva, and Ismael Huerta, is now working to purchase and preserve the building. The plan is to restart operations with a reimagined Family Resource Center under Director Marisol Ortiz, using sustainable business plans developed with guidance from professionals in health, mental health, finance, higher education, and organizational development.

Valencia Sherratt says her organization is exploring partnerships with the hope of reviving the community hub.

“When the building is sold, so many issues and challenges from the past will have been resolved. We are looking forward to that and a clear path forward with the community, as part of the community, serving the community. So yeah, it just brings hope,” she said.

In the meantime, the Restorative Justice Education Center plans to continue offering services.

 

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Hundreds of children in Santa Barbara County will start the school year with new backpacks, supplies, clothing, and shoes through Unity Shoppe’s annual Back-to-School Shoppe.

The nonprofit’s General Store has been transformed for August into a dedicated school supply center, where families in need can choose items free of charge. Executive Director and CEO Angela Miller-Bevan said the program is made possible through community partnerships and generous donors.

“Backpacks for over 600 children and school supplies,” Miller-Bevan said. “And the greatest thing about this is that they get to come here and they get to choose everything with dignity, respect and choice. And that’s what Unity Shoppe is all about.”

This year’s partners include Arturo’s Barber Shop, which has collected funds and provided 250 free haircut vouchers for local children, along with Vans, Deckers, Carvin to Kabobs, and other supporters. Miller-Bevan said those contributions ensure students not only have the tools they need, but also feel confident as they start the school year.

The Back-to-School Shoppe is open throughout August at Unity Shoppe’s General Store, 1401 Chapala Street in Santa Barbara. Families must have a referral to participate.

For more information on donating or getting involved, visit unityshoppe.org or call 805-965-4122.

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