Category: keyt-local-news

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Fire Captain Scott Safechuck is retiring after 26 years serving the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, according to the Department’s Instagram page.

Safechuck spent 26 of his 35 years in the fire and emergency services in Santa Barbara, serving as the SBCFD’s public information officer for the past few years.

Your News Channel worked in tandem with Safechuck during several emergencies over the years, including the recent Palisades and Eaton fires.

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Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a custody sergeant after a criminal investigation for significant timecard fraud on Thursday.

SBCSO detectives arrested the 34-year-old at his Ventura home on a felony warrant for criminal charges of embezzlement of public funds, forgery, and grant theft with a white-collar crime enhancement.

SBCSO staff noticed suspicious timecard activity starting in October 2025 and detectives later determined the 34-year-old fraudulently coded over $175,000 in earnings dating back to 2023.

The 34-year-old served in a supervisory role as a custody sergeant and his responsibilities included reviewing and approving overtime, according to the SBCSO.

SBCSO did not identify other suspects in the case nor other fraud activity by other employees. The investigation remains ongoing and a parallel administrative investigation is underway, according to the SBCSO.

The 34-year-old was booked at the Ventura County Jail and is being held on $150,000 bail, according to the SBCSO.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Ongoing concerns about a sluggish pace for the retail future in Santa Barbara may get a turnaround after an exchange or ideas from experts gathering in a special session with the City Council and staff.

Councilmembers heard from Rachel Michelin from the California Retailers Association, Rick Lemmo with Caruso Properties and Mark Ingalls the Property Manager from the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta.

The retail symposium took place in the Faulkner Gallery at the library. The public attended and filled the room.

The solutions covered a wide area of suggestions but it was clear it won’t be done with a big shopping center concept you might have seen 25 years ago.

  One concept is to possibly not look at the core area of State Street as one big ten block area. Ingalls said, “it is a main street  and I think it needs to be paired down into blocks.  I like the idea of districts. The  arts district, bars and restaurants and  retail and scaled to be more supportive by the residents of Santa Barbara.”

Cutting the red tape and the time line on projects was also viewed as a faster track to a completion and to make the financial start up costs go farther and get done faster.

That includes possibly cutting some permit fees and saving months on reviews.     It may look favorable to a developer and there is a return for this.

Lemmo said, “we want them here for the benefit we get and there is public  benefit.   I think the most important benefit is get the time down .” He said waiting two years for. restaurant go through a development plan is not a successful business model for the owner.

As a statewide leader in retail analysis Michelin said, all levels of government should realize the benefits of having projects finished on a better timeline. “We want to see more investment in our community. We need to streamline the regulatory process, we need to need to make it easier.”

One of the concepts that was getting a favorable reaction was to not build a large scale housing project but to add some housing on top of or behind some of the existing buildings in the downtown business area.

“Just as important is to have a mix from an efficiency standpoint,” said Ingalls. One and two bedroom units can be available for area workers , and for someone who wants to move out of their house in a neighborhood to a downtown environment. He said “it frees up a house.” 

Lemmo said, the city should work with what it has including its rich history. “Most of the elements exist. We have to put a spotlight on them, we have to put a magnifying glass on them.”

Smaller areas with success stories were also an option Ingalls favored. He said, “I think there should be more districts and I think the Funk Zone is a  perfect example of when you tee it up and get it out of the way.”

There was also a suggestion to bring college students into the conversation with their ideas and designs. The suggestions coming from that demographic may help to create appropriate housing using modern and future style elements. It may also come with a price point they can afford after they graduate.

The session was coordinated by the State Street Master Planner Tess Harris who may be showing new ideas in the Spring for downtown. That could include a mix of areas for dining, shopping, bikes, cars and pedestrians that has the blend the city is looking for to create a vibrant economy.

It is still to be determined how some of the changes will be funded.

No one on the panel addressed how the larger retail sites downtown, including the vacant former Macy’s store and the vacant former Nordstrom’s store could be reused. Project under consideration included multiple housing units, a new grocery store and paseo walkways into the mall retail area.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – San Marcos announced Isaiah Veal as its new Head Football Coach.

Veal is a Bishop Diego graduate and was a member of their 2017 State Championship team, He was named All League and All-CIFSS the same year. He then played at College of Idaho from 2018-2022. While there, the team won three conference championships and was named a first team All-Conference Wide receiver as well as being a Scholar-Athlete award winner. Most recently he has been a Wide Receiver/Defensive Backs coach as well as being a Special Teams assistant. He is currently the Director of Operations for the Page Youth Center where he runs programs for over 3000 athletes across multiple sport programs.

Coach Veal quote – I am honored to be named the Head Coach at San Marcos. I’m excited for the opportunity, ready to get to work, and committed to building a disciplined, tough program that develops young men and represents this community with pride.

Athletic Director Solis quote – We are very excited to have Coach Veal here at San Marcos. His energy and culture building is going to help redefine success on and off the field. We have a very bright future ahead of us.

Principal Holdren quote – “We are thrilled to welcome Isaiah to San Marcos. He brings high character, excellent experience, and a commitment to developing the program. It’s going to be fun to watch.”

(Article courtesy of San Marcos Press Release)

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Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Lompoc is inviting folks out to the Lompoc Valley at the recently re-opened River Park RV campground.

The soft opening follows a nearly 3-year process.

In 2022, renovations began on 9 original RV sites at River Park, and 26 sites have been added since then, with newly renovated full hook-ups.

“If you visited us in the past, we would love to invite you to come back,” says Hannah Wallace, Lompoc Parks And Recreation manager. “We think that you would be really surprised and pleased with the upgrades that we’ve provided.”

Sites are first-come-first-served for up to 21 nights.

The online reservation system has also been revamped, allowing for easy payment and booking.“Pretty streamlined,” says Wallace. “And, it just it makes it easier for campers to register. It makes it easier for, rangers to monitor. And, it’s been embraced by some of the campers that were previously here before we opened up the new sites, just because of the ease they don’t know have to go into the the office to pay. They can just get online and pay or call and pay over the phone.”

The park features a playground, trails for walking, biking or horseback riding, as well as Kiwanis Lake which is open and stocked for fishing.

“Somebody had a vision and we bought into that and definitely supported that from the council level and made sure they stayed invested in it,” says Lompoc city councilman Jeremy Ball. “And again, it’s taken some time, but now we’re very excited that, it’s open.”

Base rates are 50 dollars a night.

“It’s the end of January and it’s 70 plus degrees here in Lompoc,” says Ball. “And I can imagine this place being a very exciting place to come.”

The park sits just east of Lompoc and is about 20 miles away from Solvang.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Maria Valley Chamber recently kicked off its annual Dine Out Santa Maria Style promotion in an effort to help boost sales at local restaurants.

Running through Feb. 13, the month-long celebration features 11 Santa Maria Valley businesses that are offering special deals for customers.

The yearly promotion is coordinated by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber and is held to help boost sales for restaurants during a time when fewer customers are dining out.

“Restaurant Month is one of the biggest campaigns that we produce throughout the year,” said Jennifer Ayala, Santa Maria Valley Chamber Marketing Coordiator. “It’s really to help local restaurants gain more business during the slower times of the year. The campaign is truly designed for visitors, and locals alike and it really just drives more traffic to these restaurants.”

In the past, restaurants offered deals with prices matching the year (i.e. $20.24 for the year 2024).

However, beginning last year, a change was made that allows restaurants to provide special deals of their choosing (i.e. free side with purchase of entree and drink, Buy one, get one free (BOGO) meals, $5 off orders of $30+, etc.).

Restaurant owners who have participated in the past say the special offers truly makes a difference in helping ring up more sales throughout the length of promotion.

“Every year It happens around this time and it’s always been a success,” said Randy Wise, longtime owner of Straw Hat Pizza. “People come in, and it creates word of mouth, and they tell somebody else and they enjoy it.”

Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse and Saloon owner Shawn Van Pelt who also owns the neighboring California Hot Dogs, agreed the promotion is good for business.

“I think the the program definitely brings in people are brings people out,” said Van Pelt. “I think it does bring in a little more than January would normally have. It’s important to support all the local owned restaurants. These are people in the community that live here, work here, provide jobs here. This program is a good way to get out and support local businesses that are helping the community, helping non-profits and the schools and everything.”

Participating businesses and deals this year includes:

Pizzeria Bello Forno – One Free house-made dessert with any $50.00 purchase

Straw Hat Pizza – One Large 2-Topping Pizza $19.99 +tax

Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House & Cafe – $5 OFF orders of $30 or more & Free dessert with the purchase of two main plates

The Century Room at The Historic Santa Maria Inn – Buy one, get one 50% off

The Range Kitchen + Bar – Buy one, get one 50% off the entire menu (Item that is 50% off must be of equal or lesser value)

Blast 825 Brewery – 15% off total order (Excludes Alcohol)

Simple Cafe – Signature breakfast $15.99 (Includes: Medium House Coffee, Hot or Iced Breakfast Burrito, Choice of Bacon or Sausage, Fresh baked muffin, choice of flavor)

Steller’s Cellar – Buy one wine tasting, get one free. (Weekly flight changes every Wednesday with a different price every week, generally from $15.00 to $25.00 a flight)

Cool Hand Luke’s – Enjoy a special $26 menu featuring Beer Battered Fish & Chips and Chuckwagon Chicken Pasta

California Hot Dogs – Chili Cheese Dog Family Pack: includes 6 Chili Cheese Dogs and 2 orders of Tater Tots for $19.99.

Maya Mexican Restaurant – Grab a Super Lunch for Two! Mix and match any two items (Nos. 1–10) for just $20.26. (Tuesday through Saturday, 8 AM to 2 PM)

For more information about the 2026 Dine Out Santa Maria Style promotion, click here to visit the official webpage.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Chuckie Roth is leaving the Channel League in style as his Royals celebrate another championship.

USC-bound senior Charlotte Raisin scored a game-high 8 goals and had 3 assists as San Marcos defeated cross-town rival Dos Pueblos 18-6 in the finals of the Channel League Tournament.

(Charlotte Raisin battled past the DP defense, outscoring the Chargers on her own 8-6. Entenza Design).

Roth is stepping away from the girls program after the season but not before they captured a fifth straight league crown.

San Marcos grabbed control of the game immediately as they scored the first 4 goals and never were threatened. Sophomore sensation Jade Pattison scored 3 of her 4 goals in that opening quarter while Raisin and Lily Bordofsky each added two goals.

Kyra Jones and Talia Marshall scored first half goals for DP but they trailed 9-2 at the break.

(Harvard-bound goalie Bethany King had 9 blocks in the first half for the Royals. Entenza Design).

(Raisin had four goals in the first half and tallied 3 more in the third quarter as San Marcos led 15-4 heading into the fourth quarter. Entenza Design).

Keira McAvoy and Jones scored for DP in that third quarter.

Both teams are playoff-bound with San Marcos in the CIF-SS Open Division and DP expected to be in CIF-SS Division 1. The playoff bracket will be announced on Friday at 2 p.m.

Santa Barbara beat Buena 13-8 to claim third place in league.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

San Marcos 61, Dos Pueblos 51: The Royals exploded for 29 points in the third quarter to take a 54-31 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Chargers used a 14-0 run to make it close but San Marcos held them off for a seventh straight win. The Royals lost at DP earlier this month.

(San Marcos gets revenge on DP with a 10-point win. Entenza Design).

Brody Green and Koji Hefner scored 16 points apiece while Sergio Landeros added 15 points as the Royals improve to 10-2 in league.

(Sergio Landeros scored 8 of the Royals 12 first quarter points. Entenza Design).

Santa Barbara 76, Oxnard 58: Levi Oakes poured in a game-high 24 points to lead the Dons to a crucial road win. Santa Barbara leads the Channel League by one game over San Marcos with just two games left. The Dons are 11-1 in league and host Ventura on Friday.

Pacifica 59, Buena 54: Tommy Williams and Will Jones Jr. scored 19 points apiece for the Tritons.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) In a space at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse arch, known for recent vigils for Alex Pretti and Renee Good people rallied on Wednesday night.

Many are upset about ICE activity involving pepper spray on Santa Barbara’s Eastside. 

Ana Garcia witnesses it.

Garcia said they have been doing a good job protecting their neighbors.

Garcia said it is not clear if anyone was taken from the Eastside but people have been taken into custody by ICE in many neighborhoods up and down the coast.

City Council Member Wendy Santamaria witnesses the activity in the First District that she represents.

” I was already out on the Eastside around Franklin Elementary School. We were giving out information and the knew your rights hotline number and we started to hear whistles,  honking and the Rapid Response Network activated. I got footage and testimonies of people telling me this person was pushed by an ICE agent somebody got pepper sprayed that is the reason I am out here tonight because I know our police department put out a press release saying there is not collaboration but I am hearing and seeing different things, so we need some answers and clarity,” said Santamaria.

She is calling for a Town Hall.

She wants people to know where the Police Department stands.

A commotion near a political projection on the courthouse wall was diffused during the rally when someone step in to hug a veteran walking by.

A march to the Santa Barbara Police Station followed.

Some participants are upset about the money going towards the building of a new station at a time when people feel traumatized.

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Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County has been awarded more than $21 million from a state grant that it will use to help develop a new comprehensive mental health facility in Paso Robles.

Totaling $21,639,180, the grant is a portion of funding from Proposition 1 that was passed by California voters in 2024 to help address and improve mental health services and treatment.

“We are very excited to be awarded these competitive grant funds,” said Star Graber, San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Director. “This expansion allows us to respond more promptly to mental health crises and promote health equity across San Luis Obispo County ensuring that North County community members and others can access critical services in our county.”

The new facility will be located at 416 South Spring Street in what is currently a vacant building.

“The building, was originally a medical facility,” said Nick Drews, San Luis Obispo County Health Agency Director. “It was run by CHC (Community Health Centers of the Central Coast). CHC closed the facility and moved and opened another facility. There’s not a whole lot that we need to do in terms of upgrading it, which is wonderful. It really saves us a lot of money. The building’s also located on our Paso Robles campus. The benefit of the building is it’s right next door to our Public Health Services, our Mental Health and Behavioral Health Services and Social Services, they’re all in the same footprint, and so you really couldn’t find a better location for it in the North County.”

According to a county release, preliminary plans for the project include:

A new 16-bed Psychiatric Health Facility to increase intensive behavioral health services foryouth and adults within a secure environment (12 beds for adults and 4 beds for youth).

The first adult crisis residential treatment program in SLO County which will offer short-term support to community members navigating through a mental health crisis (8 beds foradults).

The first children and youth crisis residential treatment program in the San Luis Obispo(and Santa Barbara region) designed to bridge the gap between acute inpatient care andreintegration into the community via outpatient care (2-4 beds for youth).

The county pointed out the new facility will serve as a secondary site for those requiring multiple day, in-house psychiatric treatment.

There are currently 16 beds at the county’s Psychiatric Health Facility located at the HealthAgency campus in San Luis Obispo, but the need is for much more.

“Right now we don’t have enough beds,” said Drews. “We just don’t. We just do not have enough facilities within our county and within the state to take care of the needs and the more that we can put in, I think the better off everyone’s really going to be. The ability to create more of these facilities, we’re going to be able to provide more services locally. The benefit of providing a service locally is not only is it beneficial in terms of not having to travel, but we can stay closer within our case management system. 

“You’re not coordinating with another county, sending somebody out of the county, bringing them back in. We’re able to connect with all our infrastructure internally to make sure that we’re providing the right level of services, so it helps with communication and medical service by keeping someone local.”

One of the highlights of the new facility will be its youth crisis residential treatment program, which will also allow younger individuals to remain much closer to home while undergoing treatment.

“Having everything here back here in their environment, we can work with the families, we can work with the schools, those kinds of things, and get a ready to transition them back into, the safer, lower level of care,” said Graber. “We really want that continuity of care so that they can continue to progress in the journey of recovery, and it’s especially important for the families who may or may not be able to go their travel there, sometimes four, or five or six hours away. This will be, benefit not only to them personally, but also to the county budget and our system of care to have people here.”

San Luis Obispo County is also working with Santa Barbara County to provide access for younger individuals there who need treatment.

Similar to those in San Luis Obispo County, younger individuals in Santa Barbara County must also travel out of the area to seek treatment.

“If we do happen to have an opening, it can be a joint, regional kind of relationship back and forth,” said Graber. “We really plan this grant out to have filled the gaps in all of our region.”

The new facility is expected to open sometime in either 2028 or 2029.

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