Author: KEYT

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — In the wake of recent ICE raids in Carpinteria and Ventura, the Santa Barbara City Council is weighing a proposed $500,000 emergency aid package to provide legal and basic support to immigrant families.

The proposal emerged during a special meeting where more than 50 public speakers urged immediate action. “Rent is due tomorrow,” declared Jacqueline Inda of Casa de la Raza. “They still have bills to pay. They still have to put food on their tables or they’re going to be evicted.”

Advocates emphasized local precedent: the city of Goleta allocated $100,000, and Santa Barbara County designated around $240,000 in emergency support.

City staff acknowledged fiscal pressures, with fiscal year 2026 projections indicating a $10 million deficit, according to City Administrator Kelly McAdoo. While the city funds immigrant-serving nonprofits at approximately $1.75 million annually, officials warned of limitations on the general fund.

“If the council wants to appropriate additional dollars to any of our nonprofits that serve our immigration community,” McAdoo said, “that [should] come from the existing $5 million for the local housing trust fund or the housing and homelessness services—or that the council look potentially at the Measure C projects for funding.”

Community advocates vigorously opposed tapping housing reserves. “Pitting housing needs against immigrant services is a false choice,” said Housing Authority Director Rob Fredericks. “We stand in solidarity with our immigrant community and urge you to find ways to fund these vital services without retreating from your commitment to addressing the housing crisis.”

Jacqueline Inda also criticized the timing of the discussion, which coincided with Santa Barbara’s Fiesta celebrations. “I’m frustrated because we’re in the middle of Fiesta, and we’re having an immigration special meeting and you can’t take decisions without community being present,” she said.

Councilmembers Kristen Sneddon and Meagan Harmon voiced support for the full funding amount. Sneddon urged diverting Measure C infrastructure funds away from roads and public safety projects. “People over pavement,” she said. “We can’t keep profiting without protection. Our immigrant community provides the safety net for all of us. It’s time for us to help provide the safety net back.”

Harmon questioned whether an emergency declaration is required to unlock disaster reserve funds, prompting clarification from legal staff that while a declaration might not be feasible, the council could amend its reserve policy or use Measure C allocations to move forward.

Mayor Randy Rowse acknowledged the emotional testimony but cautioned that the city’s authority is limited. “I hope people walk away with an understanding of the realities of the situation and that what we can do we can’t do,” he said. “I don’t wanna do things just because of being symbolic.”

Council deliberations are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

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Jarrod Zinn

GUADALUPE, Calif. – Kids ages 8-13 have been working on robotics at a summer camp hosted by Guadalupe Union School District this week, preparing for a tournament Friday morning at McKenzie junior high.

“It takes patience and like, many, many tries to get it right,” says young Jacob Mejia, who captains a team dubbed ‘The Smurfs.’

An association between Delta Robotics and a new group called the Santa Maria Valley Robotics Association is providing college students majoring in the field as the camp’s coaches.

“The majority of us are alumni for Delta,” says Zoe Ward-Correa, one of the coaches. “So we go to Hancock, and then some of us are still in high school.”

As they get ready for Friday’s tournament, the kids learn how to prepare their robotic for a point-based game that analyzes how well their robot has been built.

“It teaches them to engineer actual things,” says Ward-Correa. “They’ll end up engineering in real life, but they don’t really know it’s that. They just think of it as a game.”

This summer camp is just the beginning, setting the stage for schools in Guadelupe to form their own robotics teams for competitions.

Another of the coaches expressed their excitement over the program. “I want to see them learn all this stuff so early and then put it into into high school too,” says Adrian Lopez. “I’m so excited for them and like, they don’t, they don’t even know about it.”

Guadalupe Union School District representatives say they’re thrilled to be hosting the camp, and they hope this year will be the first of many.

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Joey Vergilis

OXNARD, Calif. – Fresh off of Welcome Back Weekend across the NFL, “America’s Team” the Dallas Cowboys are back in Sunny Oxnard for what’s become one of the most anticipated events of the summer.

The NFL Team is bringing back their Summer Training Camp to the city of Oxnard. All open practices will take place at River Ridge Playing Fields at 2501 Ventura Road, with the majority open to the public with free admission. Open practices started on July 22nd and continue on select dates through August 13th.

On August 5th, LA Rams fans can invade Oxnard to see their squad in a Joint Open Practice with the Cowboys at 2:00 p.m.

Another date to mark on the calendar is coming this Thursday, July 31st. The Cowboys will host Heroes Appreciation Day to show their gratitude towards military personnel, first responders and front-line healthcare workers. Heroes who wear their military or first responder uniform or show their military ID will receive free general admission parking and two reserved spots on the sideline VIP structure to view practice. 

Cowboys Summer training camp runs until August 13th at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard. For more information please head to VisitOxnard.com

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Santa Maria is currently experiencing a commercial building boom with several high-profile construction projects now taking place all across the city.

In addition, many of the projects are happening at long vacant locations, including the site of the former Sears building at the Santa Maria Town Center mall and about a mile away at the old Costco building.

According to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, the construction is a clear sign the city’s commercial development is on an upward trajectory.

“Santa Maria is thriving,” said Suzanne Singh, Santa Maria Valley Chamber Vice President of Economic Development and Government Affairs. “We’re back to having activity. We’re back to bringing in new and exciting retail for our community and for the residents to be able to shop at. It’s very exciting.”

As the old Sears and Costco buildings are being redeveloped into an El Super market and Furniture Land store respectively, newly developed sites are also going up.

New business locations include a gas station and convenience store marketing the start of the large-scale Betteravia Plaza project, a new Chick-Fil-A restaurant on North Broadway, and the new home of Home Motors Chevrolet at the Enos Ranch shopping center.

“We’re working really hard to bring things that our community wants,” said Singh. “Our city is working with these developers and these companies that are coming into town and making sure that they’re able to come here as easily as possible and get through all the state legislative stuff, but then actually be able to function.”

Other projects now under construction include a new Starbucks at the corner of Betteravia Road and Skyway Drive, and another new Starbucks and car wash on South Bradley Road on the site of now-closed Roadhouse Grill and Hometown Buffet.

“It’s an excellent time for Santa Maria,” said Singh. “With all the new development happening, but also with new leadership comes new ideas and I think we’re we’re headed toward some greatness.”

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Old Spanish Days Fiesta is once again filling Santa Barbara with color, music, and tradition. But this year, the celebration is unfolding under the shadow of fear, following recent immigration raids.

In the wake of federal ICE operations at cannabis farms in Carpinteria that resulted in dozens of detentions, residents across Santa Barbara are reacting in different ways. Some families are choosing to stay home, while others say this moment calls for deeper commitment to culture, community, and resilience.

Young dancers like 8-year-old Giovanna Gonzalez-Figueroa are helping carry on the century-old tradition.

“I’m excited because I like being on the stage and I like dancing,” said Gonzalez-Figueroa, who performs with Alma de Mexico.

Her fellow dancer, Natalia Escobedo, said Fiesta plays an important role in cultural education.

“It’s special because it teaches a lot of people about our culture,” Escobedo said.

But behind the vibrant performances, food, and fanfare, some say there’s a quiet anxiety surrounding this year’s events.

“For the first time ever, I’m thinking twice and looking over my shoulder,” said one community member at a recent town hall.

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Roy Lee said the ICE raids have had a chilling effect on both immigrant families and the local business sector.

“Their actions are tearing our community and business sector apart,” Lee said. “This is the first time, as an immigrant, I do not feel safe.”

That fear has already impacted Fiesta. One downtown carnival was canceled out of precaution.

“Turning a profit as a nonprofit in this environment felt too risky,” said Mark Alvarado, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club.

Still, El Presidente Fritz Olenberger said he does not expect the festival itself to be disrupted.

“Raiding a marijuana farm is quite different from raiding a 101-year-old festival,” he said. “I just don’t see that happening.”

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse said Fiesta remains a proud part of the city’s identity.

“I think it’s important that we carry on because I think it’s important we remain in Santa Barbara,” Rowse said. “We put the best face on as we can and we’ll do what we can to help our people and assist people that need it.”

Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Gordon emphasized that public safety is a top priority and urged community members to report concerns without fear.

“Make sure that everyone knows we are here to make sure you feel comfortable making a report regardless of your immigration status,” Gordon said. “That is our function.”

Some local advocates, however, are calling for Fiesta to be scaled back out of respect for the community’s concerns.

“Reparations need to be made, and the Chumash community here has opposed it,” said Primitiva Hernandez, executive director of 805 Undocufund.

Meanwhile, families are finding quiet ways to ensure their children can still participate—even if parents are too fearful to attend in person.

“We’ve offered to help the moms take their kids, team up, rideshare—make it easier on them,” said Liz Escobedo, whose daughter also dances with Alma de Mexico. “But it is difficult for those parents to not be able to join their daughters to see them perform.”

Even longtime cascarónes maker Henry Mendez is scaling back this year.

“We’ve been doing this with my mom for many years,” Mendez said. “But we’re kind of concerned about not being in the wrong spot at the wrong time.”

Despite that concern, Mendez and his family still produced around 400 decorative eggs for the celebration—down from past years.

“I’m not gonna make my mom think about not doing it,” he said. “I want my mom to keep doing that.”

For many, Fiesta is about more than just celebration. It’s about identity, tradition, and joy in the face of adversity.

And while law enforcement monitors security concerns, those taking part in this year’s events say they remain focused on preserving the spirit of Fiesta and the connections it fosters.

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Mike Klan

WICHITA, Kansas. – Few could have seen this loss coming.

After steamrolling their way into the quarterfinals at the National Baseball Congress World Series, the Santa Barbara Foresters seemed poised to add another championship to their record total.

But the Foresters were upset by the Lonestar Kraken 6-4 in the elimination quarterfinal round and end the season 27-11.

Trailing 4-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning the Foresters got off the mat with three runs showing the heart of a champion.

Easton Moomau doubled in Cole Chamberlain to cut the deficit to 4-2.

Moments later Brenton Clark slugged his first home run of the summer, a clutch two-run, game-tying blast to right field.

(Brenton Clark celebrates with his teammates after his game-tying home run. NBC Tournament).

But the Kraken responded with two runs in the top of the ninth on a sacrifice fly and a run-scoring double.

The Foresters went 1,2,3 in the bottom of the ninth inning as they see their season end in the quarterfinals for the second straight season.

The Foresters have an NBC Tournament record 10 championships.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Inside a windowless room off a quiet street in the Funk Zone, Chef Lennon Silvers Lee serves more than sushi — he offers a personal meditation on craft, culture, and what it means to pursue perfection, one grain of rice at a time.

That pursuit has earned Silvers Omakase its first Michelin Star, a rare accolade for a restaurant so understated in presentation and so exacting in execution. At just ten seats wide, Silvers is a study in minimalism — pared down to the essentials, leaving what remains to shine.

Specializing in the traditional Japanese experience of omakase – literally translating to “I’ll leave it up to you” — diners are guided through a chef-curated multi-course meal built entirely around his vision and ingredients available that day.

“It allows you to try new things, which I think is great. I think in this world, everybody should just continue to try new things because you never know what you might like if you never try it. I think it’s a beautiful thing.”

A transient menu and fresh ingredients leaves Lee with little room for boredom. 

Each day from Tuesday to Saturday, he prepares for service with fresh fish imported from Japanese markets, Southern California distributors, and local fishermen.

“805 Seafood! They’re my boys, add that in there!”

Among the prized offerings: hamachi, shima aji, uni, and bluefin tuna. But ask Lee what truly sets his menu apart, and he won’t hesitate.

“The rice is everything. The rice has always been everything.”

Silvers is the only restaurant outside of Japan to use Tanada Isehikari rice from Doyuuno Farm, a specialty grain grown organically in Satoyama. Milled in-house and making up the base of roughly 90% of the menu, the rice is cultivated with mineral-rich mountain water and no pesticides—labor-intensive, but essential.

“That’s what’s important to this cuisine — the tradition, heritage, and culture,” Lee says.

“I think we think, ‘Oh, good fish,’ and put toro or truffle or caviar or something fancy on top and then it’s good sushi. But it doesn’t matter what’s on top. The rice is everything.”

It’s this fundamental ingredient Lee credits with earning Silvers its Michelin recognition.

His path to fine dining wasn’t forged through culinary school or high-end internships. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Lee got his start at 17 as a dishwasher at his brother Phillip’s restaurant, Sushi by Scratch, in Montecito.

“It was the first time in my life that I didn’t look at the clock while I was working,” he recalls. “That’s how I knew I fell in love with it.”

Over the years, he worked his way up — prep cook, line cook, eventually executive chef. When Scratch earned its Michelin Star in 2021, Lee was leading the kitchen.

“The first star I got was in 2021 and it was… very different because it was around COVID,” he says. “There wasn’t a ceremony, there wasn’t any type of stage performance, so I never experienced the Michelin Guide in a normal setting. Also, I was running that restaurant, but I was the executive chef — I wasn’t the owner.”

Now, he and his brother Philip are the first siblings in the U.S. to earn Michelin Stars at two different, independent restaurants at the same time.

Silvers is deeply personal for Lee. After a decade of working alongside his brother, he chose to create a space grounded in his own values — a space where Japanese tradition and craftsmanship take center stage. From Kagami crystal glassware to Damien Hirst artwork, every detail is intentional, handmade, and masterfully selected.

“I feel like there’s a time and a place to be cost-effective for a lot of restaurants to survive. But that wasn’t our goal here. My goal was to be as extraordinary as I could.”

“My goal was to open a restaurant that, if I went to, I’d be super stoked.”

The space itself includes two rooms: a minimalist but elegant waiting room, and a sleek service room where the ten-seat counter transforms into the stage for Lee’s artistry. 

Silvers’ minimalism won’t carry onto the check. Beginning July 1st, the starting price for an evening at Silvers is $235 — a $50 increase he attributes to recently instated tariffs on imported goods.

“This isn’t meant to be a casual night out or just getting food,” Lee explains. “It’s meant to be a birthday or an anniversary, or a celebration—something cool! I want our guests to feel like it’s not just a restaurant. I want you to feel like you’re going out for a night out.”

Still, despite the accolades and attention, he has no plans for expansion — at least not yet.

For Chef Lee, one restaurant, one room, one night at a time is more than enough. And for those lucky enough to get a reservation, it’s easy to see why.

Silvers Omakase in the Funk Zone is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., by reservation only.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA. Calif. – La Misa Del Presidente is a vital component to Old Spanish Days, bringing with it the religious aspect of this traditional event.

Even before the Fiesta Mass began, those attending were welcomed with a special message from the Chumash community and prayers from 160 years ago from a direct descendant James Yee.

The music from a mariachi band was selected for this holy ceremony.

The Mass was a time to pause from the party atmosphere to reflect on the times we live in, and the times we have lived during past Fiestas.

Father Joe Schwab from the Old Mission Santa Barbara said, “I am proud to be part of a city that is a welcoming city, that believes we have room for people, that we don’t have to get rid of people. We have to invite people in to be part of this beautiful experience.”

The church was at capacity for this special event.

Many of those attending were coming back to the mission where the Fiesta Pequeña event, which opened Old Spanish Days last night.

An audience of over 5,000 people were on the Mission grounds and across the street at the Rose Garden park for the annual event.

After the mass those inside came out to the courtyard to talk about what they heard inside and what it means to this year’s Fiesta.

Laurie Sullivan grew up locally and lives in Virginia these days. “With the Mass talking about community coming together It really touched my heart. And then you have the mariachis playing and lifting us up. It just made me so happy,” she said.

Also reflecting, Joanna Sanchez said, “and not only to have us here in the early 1800s and celebrating our history of Rancho California days. Now we’re here in 2025, celebrating all over again.”

There were many people who attended the mass and reception that come every year and several people who live outside of the area make it an annual visit for this mass, Old Spanish Days and to share in this community celebration they say is one of a kind for them.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The final touches are taking place on the floats that will be in Friday’s Fiesta parade, El Desfile Histórico.

The floats will represent different historic groups in Santa Barbara and some of the special participants over the years, including the past presidents.

They all start with a flat base and are built up from there at the back lot of the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum.

Each one will have decorations including colorful flowers, and specially crafted designs.

The float for Santa Barbara High is one-of-a-kind this year because of the special anniversary for the historic high school.

Annette Cordero, who went to Santa Barbara High in 1975, said, “I think our major thing this year is that we’re celebrating our 150th year in existence. And so it’s our sesquicentennial, and we’re having a big all Dons reunion this October. And we’re really trying to do it up because it’s a historic event. We’re really excited about this, and we wanted to have all of our banners and showing on our 150th.”

On board will be “Bossie the Cow”  a fabricated animal that once stood on top of a building on Milpas Street near the campus.

The floats will be interspersed between the marching entries, the carriages, and the 400 horses that will be part of the annual event.

You can watching person on Cabrillo Boulevard,  on the air or on line at KEYT.com where we will be streaming the event starting at noon.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — One person is dead, two others are hospitalized, and three suspects are now in custody following a stabbing on State Street early Friday morning — just hours before the historic Fiesta parade.

The Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) is still investigating the incident and arrested 29-year-old Luis Gerardo Terrazas, in connection with the incident on Friday.

The SBPD later arrested a second suspect, 28-year-old Juan Fernando Rios, and took him into custody Saturday.

Rios was previously arrested in connection with a stabbing on State Street in February of 2018.

On Sunday, SBPD Police say 30-year-old Sergio Rivas was arrested without incident by investigators. He was also found to be in possession of a loaded firearm, according to the agency.

Santa Barbara Police Department shared that detectives believe that the individuals involved knew each other.

It’s raising concerns in the community as thousands flooded downtown for Old Spanish Days Fiesta.

“It’s unbelievable,” said local artist Chloé Marie Hourdequin. “There are so many people out, and there are children out too, while this happened.”

The attack happened just after midnight, around 12:23 a.m. on August 1.

Santa Barbara police say a passerby flagged down officers in the 500 block of State Street near Haley and Cota Streets, reporting a man with a knife.

Responding officers found a person with a stab wound on the ground and additional officers quickly secured the area and located two more victims nearby. All three were transported to Cottage Hospital, where one person transported from the scene later died.

The victim was identified as Anthony Michael Bisquera Hartley after a GoFundMe page was put up to raise money to help with burial costs. You can find the GoFundMe here.

“It is just horrendous to think that someone can commit that kind of atrocity in basically the most well-protected area,” Hourdequin said. “There are cops on every corner down here.”

Despite increased law enforcement presence for Fiesta, the violence unfolded just steps away from where families gathered to celebrate. Witnesses say the street was busy with music, dancing, and vendors in the moments leading up to the stabbing.

“I don’t know what it was about. I don’t know what transpired before that,” said one street vendor who witnessed the scene. “Everybody was just dancing on the street prior to that. It’s a very, very sad day, and I just hope [the victim] gets justice.”

The 500 block of State Street was closed from Hotel Santa Barbara to Old Kings Road as police investigated. A command post was set up at the corner of State and Cota Streets.

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse thanked first responders and urged the public to remain vigilant during the busy weekend.

“Our police department was on the scene within moments to render aid and locate anyone involved,” Rowse said. “All city resources are deployed to ensure a safe Fiesta weekend. If you see something of concern, always say something and call the police.”

Some community members expressed frustration and fear in the wake of the incident.

“I feel like it could have been a different outcome if there was a quicker response,” one vendor said. “There’s a bunch of cops out — it’s confusing.”

Others, like local resident Scott Martinez, said they still trust law enforcement.

“I’ve always felt safe in Santa Barbara because we’ve always had plenty of police here, and I’ve always respected the police,” Martinez said.

But for vendors like Sarina Carbajal, the risk of tensions boiling over during Fiesta remains top of mind.

“With drinking and Fiesta, it gets really wild out here,” Carbajal said. “So it could have been a confrontation.”

The Santa Barbara Police Department has asked anyone with information to contact the Santa Barbara Police Department at 805-882-8900.

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