Author: KEYT

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Library week in Santa Barbara came with a family-friendly game night, off the downtown property and the outreach was in the Funk Zone.

Loteria for the library using the Mexican bingo game known as “Loteria” was redesigned to have Santa Barbara area images.

They included the mission, Stearns Wharf, Fiesta, Summer Solstice and yes — the library.

As they were called out from large cards, markers were placed on the game cards in front of the players and if you lined up a row you were a winner.

All the tables were full for this special event.

Nathalia Martinez was a winner and said, “it’s super fun to be out here supporting the community making sure the library gets funded and everyone known the library is there to be a service to the public.”

A Santa Barbara Public Library outreach employee Emily Cruz said, “I see a lot of returning folks who won last year and excited to win again a ton of new faces. We are excited too see out reach has been expanded with the new library on the go van.”

The Loteria winners were given a choice of several gifts including library tote bags.

They were also writing notes to local leaders about their love of the library.

The library on the go van was parked on site at Shalhoobs restaurant and racks of books were available for checkout along with other services.

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Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A mountain lion sighting at the Los Prietos campground grabbed plenty of local interest last month.

One News Channel viewer sent in a photo of the creature up a tree after it had chased down some prey.

Several interested people took photos and videos of the mountain lion as it stared blankly down from its perch.

This is not the first mountain lion sighting in the local area and certainly won’t be the last.

For any photo or video submissions for newsworthy stories, visit the KEYT share website.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Maria Strawberry Festival is expanding the celebration this weekend with free admission and chances for free rides.

The popular event is bigger than it’s ever been.

In today’s world of high prices, the festival’s first use of free admission for the whole weekend is something families will definitely want to take advantage of.

Known for its evolving carnival atmosphere, the Santa Maria Strawberry Festival has celebrated the region’s strawberry industry for almost forty years.

“The Strawberry Festival is not just a carnival,” says Todd Ventura, Santa Maria Fairpark acting CEO. “It’s really about agriculture. It’s about our community. It’s about promoting and, celebrating the whole strawberry industry.”

Also combined with the annual Strawberry Dinner for the first time this year, the Santa Maria Fairpark is expected to be packed this weekend.

“We’re kicking off with the strawberry industry dinner, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce,” says Ventura. “So we’ll have 800 guests in the Convention Center tonight, celebrating strawberries. And then we’re going to have a Strawberry Festival for the next two days.”

The celebrations run with free admission at the front gates for all three days, Friday evening 6 to 10, and 2 to 10 on Saturday and Sunday.

this year, the festival has partnered with Helm And Sons Amusements for more rides than it’s ever had before.

“Not only is it our first time doing it, but we are also keeping the old tradition alive while still reinventing it,” says Chloe Parks, spokesperson for Helm And Sons Amusements.

Another new feature this year provided by Helm And Sons Amusements is a trivia game show happening every two hours, providing chances to win unlimited ride wristbands.

“If we’re not doing a game show, we’re either doing dance competitions or a deejay playing music, having like, little interactive dances and stuff too,” says Parks. “But all of our stages are always busy.”

Helm And Sons has set up approximately 26 rides at the festival this year, providing something for attendees of all ages.

Not to mention the traditional strawberry pies, beverages, and confections.

Organizers say the expanding community partnerships are vital to providing this event every year, and they are eager to see everyone out enjoying the beautiful Central Coast weather this weekend.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It’s time to bring out those cowboy hats and boots, because the Buellton Brew Fest returns on Saturday, May 2nd at River View Park in Buellton.

The community favorite event will feature over 55 craft breweries, wineries, kombucha and more.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the last pour at 4 p.m. Bus transportation will be available around Santa Barbara, Lompoc and Santa Maria.

Kathy Vreeland from Discover Buellton and Andres Nuñez from El Fuego Events joins The Morning News to share about what to expect for the event.

To purchase tickets visit their website here.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – This is an event for the James Taylor fans. The Granada Theater is hosting a tribute performance dedicated to the legendary singer this weekend.

It’ll be the perfect chilly evening to enjoy good company and great music.

Tariqh Akoni, Director of A&R at Santa Barbara Records and on the Board of Directors for the Granada Theatre joins the Morning News to talk about the upcoming event.

For more information on the event and ticket information head to their website.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara’s Restaurant Week begins today! Foodies can enjoy a number of restaurants for a discounted fixed price. It’s a foodie’s dream right in Santa Barbara!

To tell share about the week, The Morning News is joined by Executive Chef Roberto and Chef Lucas from the Lulio at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

You can learn more about restaurant week on their website.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

CIF-SS Division 1 First Round: San Marcos 3, Los Alamitos 2: The Royals got wins from #1 team Cora Loomer/Evyn Miller 21-11, 21-4; #4 team Lila Westmacott/Isla McClintock 21-11, 21-10; and #5 Rio Chesluk/Malia Hetrick 25-23, 21-10. Royals are 24-2 on the season and will host #1 Mira Costa in a semifinal match on Wednesday, April 29 at 3 p.m.

CIF-SS Division 3 Second Round: #1 team Allie Ben-Yaacov/Char Welch win 22-20, 21-18; #2 team Ruby Dunlop/Gia Haas win 21-13, 21-18; #3 team Faith Harrison/Kyra Sample win 21-23, 21-19, 15-8; #5 team Athena Bardakos/Moana Martinez 21-9, 21-13. Chargers host quarterfinals Tuesday, April 28 at 3 p.m. against Long Beach Poly.

CIF-SS Division 4 Second Round: Bishop Diego 3, Pacifica Christian 2: Cardinals #1 team of Sophie Otte/Wynter Thorne Thomsen won 21-13, 21-14. Cards other two wins came from Elle McMahon/Addie Barat and Natalie Chan/Olivia Leflang. Bishop Diego hosts Oak Park in a quarterfinal match on Tuesday, April 28 at 3 p.m. versus Oak Park.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – San Marcos celebrates Senior Day with a sweep over Camarillo.

The Royals girls won 136-40 while the boys defeated the Scorpions 97-79.

There were several swimmers that won multiple events for the Royals including Sophia Hall who won the 50 (24.82) and 100 freestyle (54.46) plus swam on the winning Royals 4×50 and 4×100 relays.

Nya Cable won in the 100 backstroke (1:03.43) and the 200 IM (2:22.56).

Other individual girls winners were Charlotte Raisin (200 freestyle), Lily Bordofsky (100 butterfly), McKenna Stuart (500 freestyle), and Shea Estabrook (100 breaststroke).

The boys multiple winners include Cole Racich who captured both the 100 freestyle (49:30) and the 200 freestyle (1:48.11).

Nolan Clarke won the 100 butterfly (51.41) and the 200 IM (2:03.74).

Other boys individual winners include Will Stuart (100 breaststroke) and Duncan Hunt (100 backstroke).

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John Palminteri

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – The growing number of seniors on the South Coast has lead to a growing need for services including the latest in housing, technology and health care.

It all came together with the 4th Goleta Senior Expo in the Goleta Community Center. Those showing up included adults, families, caregivers, and community members with valuable resources, services, and opportunities. Many were non-profits that support healthy, engaged, and independent living.

The Senior Expo had attendees going one on one to experts at a wide variety of informational booths, activities, and anyone improving quality of life for older adults.

Goleta Resident Alison Tamminga said she was there because, “I am getting closer. And so perhaps I should come and find out some information. I’m looking for possible, home care. Should we actually need to activate long term care there are several organizations that can provide that.”

Some found services they were not aware of and others had specific tables they went .

We also learned today that from meals on wheels program will be expanding for the first time to Goleta in the next month.

Many tables had giveaway items like these shoelaces fro Cottage Trauma Services that help you get noticed at night. Mayra Vazquez says “they can put these on their shoes, that way they can be seen by bicycles and e-bikes and some motor vehicles as they are walking. “

The American Red Cross had information on someone coming over to help you with your smoke detectors and also materials that can keep you prepared for the next big emergency or even a power outage.

Gaylen Ramsey with the American Red Cross held up a special emergency page and said, “if you don’t know everybody’s phone number that you need to know, there’s a card you can write phone numbers down if your phone goes dead.”

The Senior Expo coordinators say the event focused on:

Access to Essential Resources: including services related to health care, wellness, housing, recreation, transportation, and more.

Promoting Healthy Aging: with practical tips and tools to support physical, mental, and social well-being.

Building Community Connections: by meeting new people, strengthen social networks, and engage with organizations that serve Goleta’s senior population.

Supporting Caregivers and Families: with support for those caring for older adults.

Celebrating Active Lifestyles: highlighting the importance of staying active, engaged, and connected.

For more information go to: www.CityofGoleta.org/SeniorProgram or seniorprogram@cityofgoleta.gov.

(More details, photos and video will be added here later today.)

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