Author: KEYT

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – One of the full access, price breaks at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is the free films offered throughout the event.   

It’s a mixture of film types, including documentaries and international films. Many this year, however, are Oscar nominated films.

They are shown at the Arlington Theatre on a first-come, first served basis after pass holders enter.

The Brad Pitt film F1 is opening the run of films Thursday at 2 p.m. with producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

Here is the list:

LITTLE AMÉLIE OR THE CHARACTER OF RAINThursday, February 5 – 11:00 AM – Arlington Theatre
HAMNET- followed by a conversation with Jessie BuckleyWednesday, February 11 – 2:00 PM – Arlington Theatre

F1 – followed by a conversation with Producer Jerry BruckheimerThursday, February 5 – 2:00 PM – Arlington Theatre
SINNERS – followed by a conversation with Delroy LindoThursday, February 12 – 2:00 PM – Arlington Theatre

THE SECRET AGENTFriday, February 6 – 2:00 PM – Arlington Theatre
FRANKENSTEINFriday, February 13 – 10:30 AM – Arlington Theatre

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHERMonday, February 9 – 10:30 AM – Arlington Theatre
TRAIN DREAMS – followed by a conversation with Writer/Director Clint Bentley and Cinematographer Adolpho VelosoFriday, February 13 – 2:00 PM – Arlington Theatre

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS – followed by a conversation with Directors Maggie Kang and Chris AppelhansMonday, February 9 – 2:00 PM – Arlington Theatre
YOUTH CINEMEDIA SHORTSSaturday, February 14 – 12:20 PM – SBIFF Film Center

MARTY SUPREMETuesday, February 10 – 11:00 AM – Arlington Theatre
10-10-10 STUDENT SHORTSSaturday, February 14 – 2:00 PM – Arlington Theatre

SENTIMENTAL VALUETuesday, February 10 – 2:00 PM – Arlington Theatre
THE ALABAMA SOLUTION+ Q&A with Co-Director Charlotte KaufmanAcademy Award nominated for Best Documentary FeatureSaturday, February 14 – 2:20 PM – SBIFF Film Center

BUGONIAWednesday, February 11 – 11:00 AM – Arlington Theatre

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival kicked off Wednesday evening, celebrating another year of the best in independent and international cinema. The nearly two-week festival will showcase over 200 films, filmmakers, and tributes from February 4th-14th.

The festival will be showing a variety of short films done by filmmakers right here in Santa Barbara, including Committee Animal by Robert Redfield.

Redfield and film star Leslie Zemeckis gave your Morning News a sneak peak at their newest project.

With a run time of 13 minutes, Committee Animal looks at the idea that maybe it took more than God and evolution to make our wonderfully weird animals.

“I think that’s maybe why some of the animals come out as like mistakes. Like you have an animal with a large tail that makes no sense or something like that” Redfield explains. “It’s just trying to whip it out for. You know, production, kind of imitating real life in a sense, right?”

Redfield says the short film is a pilot episode for a seven-episode series he hopes audience will catch in the future. The series will expand on the inter-workings of the committee, bring in new characters, and add lots of drama and conflict to the plot.

“I mean, there are some really big questions that are touched upon here, and, you can either drive yourself crazy thinking about them or kind of have a chuckle. And we prefer the latter.”

You can see Committee Animal at the McHurley Film Center on February 7th and 9th during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

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Mike Klan

ORANGE, Calif. (KEYT) – Buckle up, the CIF-Southern Section Open Division girls water polo playoffs are a thrill ride.

#5 seed San Marcos High School outlasted #4 Orange Lutheran 15-14 in overtime to begin postseason pool play in a game played at Santiago Canyon College.

USC-bound senior star Charlotte Raisin scored 6 goals for San Marcos who overcame an early 4-1 deficit to the home Lancers.

Sophomore Jade Pattison scored three first quarter goals as the Royals managed to tie the game at 6 in a high-scoring opening quarter.

The game was tied at 10 at the half and then the defenses settled in for the rest of the game.

San Marcos did not score in the third quarter and trailed 12-10 heading into the fourth quarter.

Raisin, sophomore McKenna Stuart and junior Shea Estabrook each scored in the fourth quarter for the Royals.

The defense came up with timely steals and Harvard-commit Bethany King totaled five blocks in the cage as the Royals allowed just one goal in that fourth quarter to send this game into overtime tied at 13.

Estabrook opened up the scoring in the first three-minute overtime session and Pattison followed with a beautiful outside shot that she floated over both her defender and the goalie for what proved to be the winning shot.

The Royals led 15-14 after the first overtime period and no one scored in the second three-minute overtime.

Charlotte Raisin sealed the game with a steal with less than 10 seconds left and the Royals ran out the clock and celebrated a huge road win to open up the playoffs.

The Royals continue pool play A on Saturday at #1 seed Mater Dei who beat Long Beach Wilson 13-5.

In pool play B, #2 Newport Harbor crushed Corona del Mar 18-4 and #3 Oaks Christian routed JSerra 13-3.

The top three teams in each pool advance to the next round with the winners of pool A and pool B moving directly into the semifinals.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Maria Elementary Education Association (SMEEA) held a rally right in front of the Souza Center on Miller Street, just before standing united in the district board meeting.

They called for a stronger voice during district decisions.

Front-line educators at Santa Maria-Bonita School District are pushing back against what they say are job changes made without their involvement.

“So SMEEA is here with support of our fellow members from CSA and our community, to say no more decisions about us without us,” says Jennifer Danowitz with Santa Maria Elementary Education Association.

The Santa Maria Bonita School District recently announced the restructuring of some positions.

These announcements were a surprise to educators who work with special-need students in the areas of english and literacy.

“It’s shock,” says Erik Voss, SMEEA’s Junior High Director. “You know, we have such a relationship with the district that we’re here for, for our students.”

In the restructured positions, teachers who work closely with small groups of students with unique needs will be given what they feel are unsustainable work loads.

Educators say having to work with larger groups of students harms inclusive practices and communication, and makes the safety of the learning environments a greater challenge.

“There really isn’t a solid idea of what this is going to look like, because they haven’t talked to any actual teachers doing the work right now,” says Voss.

Members of the teachers’ union say the district is imposing broad changes without intentional and honest collaboration with the very front-line educators affected by those changes.

“This decision and all of the decisions that they’re making without us in the room impact every single educator and every single student,” says Danowitz.

The gathering stood united inside the Santa Maria-Bonita School District Board Meeting, which started at 6.

District board vice-president Linda Cordero noted that once they delivered their public comments, most of them left, clearing the room.

Board member John Hollinshead acknowledged the union’s concerns, saying they can do better with communication while changes are implemented.

“I think we need to do a better job of making sure that the venues of communication are more reciprocal,” Hollinshead stated at the board meeting.

The board voted unanimously to pass the resolution, adopting the changes.

Santa Maria-Bonita School District provided the following statement:

“Tonight’s action supports our commitment to improving student learning by strengthening instructional systems at all of our schools. The district will continue working closely with educators to implement this model thoughtfully and effectively. We welcome everyone’s perspective and input as we continue to create a learning environment that is focused on our mission to serve all of our students.”

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The lights at the Arlington Theatre, Riviera Theatre, and the brand new McHurley Film Center will light up this upcoming February for the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival. This year, the festival will showcase 46 world premieres and 80 U.S. premieres from 50 countries – over half of which are directed by women. Your NewsChannel will be LIVE from the Arlington Theatre bringing you full coverage for every night of the festival.

Wednesday, February 4th

Opening Night of the Festival will feature the U.S. Premiere of the film, A Mosquito in the Ear ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Starring Jake Lacy, Nazanin Boniadi, & Ruhi Pal | Directed by Nicola Rinciari “A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR follows Andrew and Daniela as they travel to Goa, India, to bring home their newly adopted four-year-old daughter, Sarvari. But their world begins to unravel when Sarvari refuses to leave the orphanage she calls home. The couple’s attempt to safely ferry their new child from India to the U.S. proves to be an untenable task filled with chaos, intermarital conflict, and adventure around every corner.”

Thursday, February 5th

Maltin Modern Master Award, honoring Adam Sandler –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Named after longtime SBIFF moderator and film critic, Leonard Maltin, the Maltin Modern Master award honors individuals who have enriched our culture with their accomplishments in the motion picture industry. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Jay Kelly, starring Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup | Directed by Noah Baumbach

Friday, February 6th

American Riveria Award, honoring Ethan Hawke –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The American Riviera Award was established to recognize actors who have made a significant contribution to American cinema. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Blue Moon, starring Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Andrew Scott, Bobby Cannavale | Directed by Richard Linklater

Saturday, February 7th

Variety Artisans Award, honoring EJAE (K-Pop Demon Hunters), Alexandre Desplat (Frankenstein), Jack Fisk (Marty Supreme), Kate Hawley (Frankenstein), Mike Hill (Frankenstein), Andy Jurgensen (One Battle After Another), Al Nelson (F1), Eric Saindon (Avatar: Fire & Ash), Adolpho Veloso (Train Dreams), and Chris Welcker (Sinners) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Artisans Award honors those who have exhibited the most exciting and innovative work in their respective fields.

Women’s Panel – 11:00 AM – Arlington Theatre –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Panelists include Miyako Bellizzi, Costume Designer (Marty Supreme), Laia Casanovas, Sound Team (Sirat)

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –  The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival opened with the premiere of “A Mosquito in the Ear.” 

It stars actors Jake Lacy and Nazanin Boniadi who both said they have never been to Santa Barbara before.

“I might move to Santa Barbara it is pretty great, I was on Zillow last night being like ‘oh I see yeah alright,'” said Lacy.

“This is my first time here and I live in California, so I was driving up and I just thought why have I never been here before,” said Boniadi.

They play a young couple from the United States adopting a little girl from an orphanage in India where the film gets its name.

Producer Ali K Rizvi ,who brought his daughter Nisa to the opening night screening, explained it this way; “There is a saying especially in Hindi which translates to a mosquito in the ear which is when they are talking, there is a buzzing sound that she is getting because she doesn’t understand, it is the equivalent of when a mosquito goes in your ear ,you know how sometimes in the middle of the monsoon season you get the buzz right, that is what it sounded like to her, hence the name “A Mosquito in the Ear.”

Nisa Rizvi sat in and helped with the film’s editing.

“A Mosquito in the Ear” is based on a true story and the Italian graphic novel entitled, “Una Zanzara nell’Orecchio,” that is similar to a comic book.

The novel was written by Andrea Ferraris who is also among those credited with writing the screenplay.

Actor, writer and producer Darren Dean explained why it is considered is a drama and a comedy or a “dramedy.”

“Raising children has a hijinx quality to it, you know, I know that, I have 3 children, so I think that reflects the stuff that goes along with parenting and becomes a little difficult to do when you are trying to raise a child.”

Other filmmakers from “A Cowboy in London” “Holy Days” and “Sophia” also walked the red carpet. 

“The festival, I have been following for a few years, so I am really happy and proud to have my film here now,” said “Sophia” director Dhafer L’abidine.”

Devoted SBIFF fans, including Gabe Donavan, have a game plan for the entire festival.

“Get here early, get the autographs, go inside, listen to their stories and say thank you Santa Barbara Film Festival and good night everybody and see you next year, “said Donavan.

Fans are likely to see Adam Sandler arrive between 7 and 8 p.m. on Thursday night.  

It is free to watch the glamorous arrivals along State Street, outside the Arlington, but festival passes, MINIPAKS of four tickets and RUSH tickets, if they are available, can be purchased at the SBIFF Education Center at 1330 State St.

Films, tributes and panel discussions begin on Thursday and run through Feb. 14.

For more information visit https://sbiff.org

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Maria City Council approved an official resolution on Tuesday night that expresses the city’s support for immigrant residents of Santa Maria.

“It’s a recognition that our immigrants play a central role in our cultural, social and economic fabric of the community,” said Chuen Wu, Santa Maria Assistant City Manager. “It’s a statement to the community, that they are important to us and that we support them.”

The approval followed nearly 90 minutes of public comment that included several speakers who spoke about their concerns regarding immigration enforcement.

“There were many members of the community that showed up for public comment expressing, their concerns of immigration control and in particular, what they’ve seen as far as what ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers have done throughout the nation,” said Wu.

“There were a lot of comments that were expressed and a desire for our council to take action. Our council, they had deliberation on the topic and ultimately voted to approve the resolution supporting immigrants and may not have addressed all of the issues and questions and concerns of those that provide a public comment.”

During public comment, Santa Maria Police Chief Christopher Williams addressed the council and audience members to state and clarify the practices and policies of the department as they relate to immigration and the immigrant community.

“The Santa Maria Police Department values and enforces all the state laws,” said Williams. “It’s been well established, as I’ve mentioned before in previous council members, as well as putting out social media posts, and speaking at community groups, that the Santa Maria Police Department does not collaborate, work or enforce any immigration laws, nor do we ask anyone that we make contact with what their immigration status is.

“The Santa Maria Police Department is committed to serving our community with honor, and we want everyone to know that they can contact the Santa Maria Police Department and seek assistance if they’re a victim of a crime. If they need our assistance, we will be there for them.”

Williams continued by describing how the SMPD has taken an robust outreach effort to build a positive relationship between the department and the immigrant community.

“We have taken many, many steps to try to build a bridge with the community,” said Williams. “Including going out to the fields and engaging with the community, partnering with local Mexican radio stations, going to community events, welcoming committee community members to our National Night Out, and demonstrating time and time again that we support our community and we do not care what their status is whether they’re legal or illegal in the United States.”

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you have noticed the full moon the last couple of nights, with it this month comes another round of king tides.

These are some of the highest tides of the year. Tuesday, there was also a push from the ocean swells, sending waves pounding into the breakwater wall in Santa Barbara.

Those on a walk there had to dodge the big spray of water that splashed over.

There were also many areas that saw the tide push well up on the beaches and in some cases into the coastal parking lots.

That included near the yacht club in Santa Barbara. No damage was reported and a newer rock wall in place has been a solid protection.

These waves have been known to have surprises in them and can be dangerous if you are too close during the peak activity which was in the mid-morning hours.

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John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Residents in Carpinteria are asked to be on alert for anything suspicious that may be connected to a major crime scene and car crash in the early morning hours.

There were several locations under investigation for hours following an early morning robbery, including farm fields and a cannabis growing site.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department says patrol units are still in the area seeking armed suspects. A message via X on line says:

Shelter in place and request to avoid the area has been lifted, however additional suspects remain outstanding and should be considered armed. Community members are encouraged to call 911 if they see anyone suspicious. Deputies will remain in the area.

It has no further details about the incident.

A search involved a Sheriff’s helicopter, a drone unit, a K9 and multiple Sheriff’s deputies, detectives and CHP officers took place before dawn this morning. One of the main areas is along Foothill Road around Cravens Lane, Via Real and Santa Monica Road.

Beth Cauwels a Carpnteria resident heard the helicopter early in the morning and later in the day while having coffee downtown said, “I am surprised it hasn’t happened before .” Other residents in the area did recall crimes in and around the cannabis farms over the years the industry has been growing. “It is unusual  for the kind of response   so I knew  something bad was going on,” said Cauwels.

Cannabis is grown on county property and not within the city.

Louis Palafoutas is a Carpinteria resident who said “it doesn’t surprise me it seems it is the risk they are willing to take and it is a product that attracts that kind of attention.”

One resident lives behind the farms and has had an intruder into his yard. Army veteran Matthew  Nancarrow said, “we did an individual on the run come into our yard a few years back. He literally climbed right into our back yard” With this alert and all the commotion, “we definitely got up and made sure the doors were locked because we are right up against a pot farm. We didn’t known at the time it armed suspects.”

He did note that many of the farms have big gates and cameras along with upgraded security. “A gate is only going to keep an honest man honest.. If you are a thief you are going to do what you are going to do and obviously they did,” said Nancarrow. 

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Michael Yu

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Three people have been arrested in connection with a burglary at Headwaters Cannabis on Foothill Road early Wednesday and multiple other suspects remain at large after a search of the area.

On Feb. 4, around 2:57 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a reported burglary in progress at the cannabis farm in the 4500 block of Foothill Road stated a press release Wednesday afternoon from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrived at the scene within minutes and were told that the suspected burglars had fled the area in multiple vehicles shared the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a report about a traffic collision at Foothill Road and Santa Monica Road and deputies arrived to find a blue BMW SUV flipped onto its roof and spotted three people attempting to flee the scene.

Deputies investigate flipped BMW connected to cannabis farm burglary on Feb. 4, 2026, courtesy of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies detained two of the people without incident, but the third person was combative with deputies who deployed a taser before taking them into custody stated the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

All three were evaluated for injuries at the scene and no significant injuries were reported added the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

A search of the flipped vehicle resulted in the discovery of a handgun and minutes later, another traffic collision was reported near Foothill Road and Cravens Lane noted the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

At the second traffic collision, deputies found an abandoned white and black Infiniti and investigators were told that the occupants may have entered another vehicle that subsequently fled the scene explained the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

As a precaution, residents along Foothill Road -from Santa Monica Road to Linden Avenue and south of Highway 101- were asked to shelter in place and report any suspicious activity as deputies searched the area shared the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

After a multi-hour search of the area resulted in no additional arrests, the precautionary shelter-in-place order was lifted around 5:30 a.m. added the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shared that it has decided not to release identifying information about the trio taken into custody in connection with the burglary and the investigation into the incident remains open.

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