Category: keyt-local-news

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is seeing an unusual influx of coyote pups this spring, adding to an already busy baby animal season.

While the nonprofit typically treats just one or two coyote pups every few years, staff say they have already received eight so far this season — a record number.

“We normally don’t get any coyote puppies,” a spokesperson said. “We’ll get older juveniles and adults brought into care, but this is highly unusual.”

The center is currently treating 357 animals, up 57 from the previous week. The increase includes a wide variety of species, but the number of coyote pups stands out as an anomaly. Other wildlife centers across the region are also reporting they are at or near capacity with similar cases.

It’s unclear what’s driving the spike. Wildlife experts suspect the pups may have been orphaned, but they are awaiting surveys and biologist reports for more insight.

The center is now working to create a new enclosure specifically for coyotes and other larger mammals. Staff say the pups are recovering well and will soon be moved into a larger outdoor habitat.

“They are a handful, but it’s great to see them doing well,” the spokesperson said.

The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is asking for volunteers to support its efforts during this busy season. Community members who see a coyote in distress are encouraged to call the organization’s hotline.

For more information or to get involved, visit https://www.sbwcn.org.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – For years, lifeguard Leighton Bell has made it her mission to save lives in Santa Barbara.

“I think we live in a city sit around the beach and kids need to understand the value of ocean skills,” said Bell.

Now, Bell is training kids to learn those skills at the upcoming Santa Barbara County Junior Lifeguard Program.

“Teach beach safety and education around how they can make good decisions and honestly potentially save their lives in a dangerous situation,” said Bell.

The program is a dynamic training experience for youth ages 6 to 17 taught by professional Santa Barbara County Lifeguards.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in ocean rescue techniques, paddleboard use, CPR, and first aid.

“Medical training, life saving training, how to deal with people on the beach … all those type things. Extremely invaluable,” said lifeguard Jack David of Santa Barbara County.

This year, the program is offering a new category called the Minis.

“I’m so excited for this. It starts at ages five and six and it’s meant to be centered around fun, but just creating an understanding and an awareness of the ocean,” said Bell.

Daily activities include swimming, running, paddling, surfing, beach games, and water safety drills. 

“Fun way that we can also change lives. You know … we want to implement just an education around something that is so integral in our community,” said Bell.

The new program will introduce the youngest participants to ocean safety in a fun and supportive environment.

The program also includes educational sessions on marine ecology and ocean conservation.

The focus of the Junior Lifeguard Program is to promote physical fitness, safety awareness, teamwork, and respect for the coastal environment.

From Santa Barbara County Parks:

(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – Santa Barbara County Parks is excited to announce that registration for the 2025 Junior Lifeguard Program is now open! Families can sign up by visiting www.sbparks.org/jgs and clicking the green Register Now! Button. There are currently summer sessions available for youth aged 6 to 17.

This summer, the Junior Lifeguard Program will offer four fun-filled and educational sessions at Goleta Beach County Park. Each session runs Monday through Friday, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Each session cost $250. There are discounts for registering multiple children.

• Session 1: June 16 – June 27

• Session 2: June 30 – July 11 (No program on July 4)

• Session 3: July 14 – July 25 (Includes optional Jalama group camp July 21–25; details to follow)

• Session 4: July 28 – August 8

Tryouts

All new participants will join returning Junior Lifeguards on the first day of their session for an untimed ocean swim test. Swim distances will be age appropriate.

New for 2025: Minis Program!

For the first time, Santa Barbara County Parks is welcoming 6- and 7-year-olds to join the new Minis Program, featuring age-specific activities designed to introduce our youngest participants to ocean safety in a fun and supportive environment.

About the Program

The Santa Barbara County Junior Lifeguard Program is a dynamic and enriching training experience for youth ages 6 to 17, taught by professional Santa Barbara County Lifeguards. Participants will gain hands-on experience in ocean rescue techniques, paddleboard use, CPR, and first aid. Daily activities include swimming, running, paddling, surfing, beach games, and water safety drills. The program also includes educational sessions on marine ecology and ocean conservation.

The Junior Lifeguard Program promotes physical fitness, safety awareness, teamwork, and respect for the coastal environment.

For full program details, including session breakdowns and FAQs, please visit www.sbparks.org/jgs

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Mike Klan

OXNARD, Calif. – Andre Reed is not catching touchdown passes anymore but he is still scoring big by giving back to kids.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver was the keynote speaker at the Great Future for Kids Breakfast at Heritage Square in Oxnard.

He spoke to Boys & Girls Club supporters with a goal of raising $150,000 for the clubs in Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

Reed was a Boys & Girls Club member growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

“The Boys & Girls Club cared about my future and we just got to get the kids to move forward and keep going in a positive direction,” said Reed.

The 7-time Pro Bowl receiver helped the Buffalo Bills reach the Super Bowl 4 straight years in the 1990’s although his team never won the big game.

“I lost four Super Bowl games in a row but I am still standing,” began Reed. “There’s a lot of guys who hadn’t played in one and say I wish I had played in one and you guys went to four, yeah we didn’t win but that’s life.”

Reed played 16 seasons in the NFL, all but one of them with Buffalo. He currently ranks 18th in all-time touchdown receptions with 87.

Andre Reed lives in San Diego now and puts reading rooms in clubs.

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Mike Klan

VENTURA, Calif. – Santa Barbara High School sophomore Elina Stump had a big day at the Channel League Track and Field Championships.

Stump won in the 100m hurdles (15.41), the long jump (16-6.25) and the triple jump (33-11).

Santa Barbara strongman Malachi Johnston pulled off a double win.

A personal best throw of 51-8 was a winning mark in the shot put and he also brings home the discus title at 138-10.

Dons senior Carter Battle soared 6-3 to win the high jump.

In a thrilling 1600m race Dos Pueblos junior Cullen Gulley passed teammate Owen Abbott to edge him at the finish line. Gulley won with a time of 4:24.42 while Abbott was 4:24.61.

Ventura freshman Sophie Nuckols won the girls 1600m in a time of 5:17.67.

San Marcos junior Logan Patterson Deakyne continues to control the 400m distance as he wins the title at 51.09.

Helena Marin of Oxnard captured the girls 400m event at 60.90.

The speed king is Ventura junior Myles Russell who wins the 100m in a time of 10.82.

He added the 200m crown as well at 22.13.

Aubrey Easter of Buena wins the girls 100m at 12.44 and the 200m at 25.70.

For more results visit https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/575513/results

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Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. – Stella Lawler made 15 saves to lead Dos Pueblos to a 9-7 win over Paloma Valley in a second round CIF-SS Division 3 playoff game.

The Chargers advance to the quarterfinals where they will host Glendale on Tuesday, May 6.

The DP offense was led by Reagan Arnold who scored 4 goals.

Also in D3 Cate won at Beckman 16-10 and will play Trabuco Hills next.

In Division 2 San Marcos lost on the road at St. Margaret’s 14-9.

The Royals finish an outstanding season at 18-3.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Sierra Tallman broke a 45 year old program record as the San Marcos senior won the 100 yard breaststroke in a blistering time of 1:04.48.

The old mark was set by USA national team swimmer Anne Tweedy.

The San Diego State-commit also set a Channel League championship meet record in the 200 yard IM in a winning time of 2:02:93.

San Marcos won the league championship followed by Ventura and Dos Pueblos.

The Royals Taylor Steelman turned in another dominant performance with very fast times.

The senior who has a full ride scholarship to TCU, won the 500 yard freestyle (4:54.44) and the 100 yard backstroke (57.55).

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — A popular Santa Barbara comic book shop is reeling after its second break-in in four months, with both incidents targeting valuable Pokémon cards.

Metro Entertainment, located on Anapamu Street, was burglarized around 6 a.m. Thursday. Store owner Bob Ficarra said a suspect used a sledgehammer to smash through the front window and stole more than $10,000 worth of Pokémon cards.

“This morning, around 6 a.m., somebody broke into our store, came in through our front window, smashed it with a sledgehammer, stole well over $10,000 worth of stuff. And within a minute, they’re out,” Ficarra said. “Sadly, it’s the second time in the last four months it has happened.”

A similar burglary occurred in January, with thieves also taking about $10,000 in Pokémon merchandise.

Ficarra said the store’s alarm system was triggered within 30 seconds, and Santa Barbara police arrived within minutes. But by then, the thieves had already fled.

“They’re in and out within a minute,” Ficarra said. “Our alarms go off quickly, they’re very loud, but the thieves can leave very quickly.”

Despite having security cameras, motion detectors and alarms, Ficarra said it’s difficult to prevent smash-and-grab burglaries.

“Besides barring the front windows and having it be like a police state, I’m not sure what else we could do that’s financially feasible,” he said.

Ficarra also expressed frustration over what he described as limited follow-up from Santa Barbara Police after the January break-in.

“We have plenty of information for them. We have IDs, pictures of them… which they have not followed up on,” he said.

He believes Metro Entertainment is being targeted due to the high value and resale potential of certain products.

“There’s some high-end things that we have that could be sold for pennies on the dollar pretty easily,” Ficarra said.

Beyond the financial damage, the emotional toll on staff has been heavy.

“Both myself and the staff are feeling really invaded,” he said. “We’ve been here 34 years. We’ve given a lot to the community. We’ve gone above and beyond.”

The break-in comes just days before Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, one of the store’s biggest events of the year.

“It’s the biggest day of the year for us, and a really fun event,” Ficarra said. “Lots of costumed characters, giving away lots of product, a lot of family, a lot of community. So that’s kind of put a damper on the week. But we’ll snap out of it.”

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Alissa Orozco

May the 4th be with you this weekend as you and the family take part in Spring and Cinco de Mayo events! Here’s what’s going on this weekend near and far:

SANTA BARBARA – SOUTH COUNTY

Photo: Discover Buellton

May Day Celebration ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Santa Barbara

📍De La Guerra Place – across from Paseo Nuevo Cinemas

⏰ 11:00am

🪩 Come celebrate the warmer season at this Spring celebration! This wholesome event will have singing, dancing, flowers, face painting, much more! Help weave ribbon around the maypole and welcome in May! Learn more here.

Buellton Brew Fest 2025 ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Buellton

📍River View Park

⏰ 11:30am – 4:30pm

🪩 Brews and spirits for all! The annual Buellton Brew Fest is kicking off this weekend with over 50 companies serving up beers, wines, ciders, kombuchas, seltzers, and more! Adults can act like big kids and play Jumbo Beer Pong and corn hole. Learn more here.

Roar & Pour ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Zoo

⏰ 5:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 Kids go to bed early, but parents and animals stay out late at this zoo event. Try out local wineries and tasty eats from food trucks and Rincon Catering. This is a unique opportunity to explore the Zoo after hours! Learn more here.

Kiwanis Music Nites ~ Thursday, May 1st in Santa Barbara

📍Elings Park

⏰ 5:30pm – 7:30pm

🪩 This week kicks off a series of fundraising concerts held in Santa Barbara for local non-profits. Every 1st Thursday during the summer the community can enjoy performances, food & drinks, dancing, and much more! The series kicks off with artists Kaleo Na-ea. Learn more here.

Santa Barbara Fair & Expo ~ May 2nd – 4th in Santa Barbara

📍Earl Warren Fairgrounds

⏰ Check for fair times

🪩 Its the last weekend of the Santa Barbara Fair, and the last chance to throw it back 80s style. The event features everything you’d expect from a good ol’ fair including carnival games and rides, farm animals, fair food, and loads of entertainment. Learn more here.

Chumash Earth Day 2025 ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Ynez Reservation

⏰ 10:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Environmental Department will host its annual free Chumash Earth Day event. The zero-waste events will have lots of educational booths that center around environmental efforts. The first 200 people will receive a “swag bag,” which will include a t-shirt, reusable cup, custom-designed stickers and a seed packet. Learn more here.

Spring Music Festival ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Goleta

📍Rancho La Patera & Stow House

⏰ 11:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 This is a really nice community event that has something for everyone. Parents can participate in the silent auction and drinks from Topa Topa and Sunstone Winery. While kids can enjoy snowcones, face painting, and a tractor ride! Learn more here.

Teen Job & Volunteer Fair ~ Thursday, May 1st in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Public Library

⏰ 4:00pm – 6:00pm

🪩 This is great opportunity for teens to find that summer part-time job or fill in their volunteer hours. Teens will get to meet with representative from local organizations and businesses to find the position that’s right for them. Learn more here.

Santa Barbara Annual Doll Show and Sale ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Elks Lodge

⏰ 10:00am – 3:00pm

🪩 Come see one of California’s longest running Doll and Toy Shows! Collectors from all over will display their antique, vintage, and modern dolls and toys. The event will also hosts raffles, a silent auction and even doll repair! Learn more here.

SANTA MARIA – NORTH COUNTY

Photo: Santa Maria Valley Chamber

Cinco de Mayo Mixer ~ Friday, May 1st in Santa Maria

📍Santa Maria Town Center Mall

⏰ 5:00pm – 7:00pm

🪩 Friday’s free event will celebrate the upcoming holiday early with live performances, complimentary food, and more. Guest can participate in a guacamole compeitition and raffles! Learn more here.

Orcutt Library Spring Book Sale ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Orcutt

📍Orcutt Branch Library

⏰ 10:00am – 1:30pm

🪩 Most items at the Friends of Orcutt Library Spring Book Sale will range from $0.50-$1.00 and all proceeds go to the local Library. If you’re in need of new reading material, this is the perfect opprotunity to grab some and support a good cause. Learn more here.

RocketTown Comic Con ~ May 3rd – 4th in Lompoc

📍Lompoc Valley Middle School

⏰ 12:00pm – 5:00pm

🪩 If you love comics, sci-fi, cosplay, and pop culture fun then this event is for you! Meet artists, creators, and special guests, explore vendor booths. Meet, greet, and snag the autograph of actors including Tracee Cocco (Lt. Jae, Star Trek universe), Rico E. Anderson, Scott Butler (Agatha All Along), D.C. Douglas, and many more! Learn more here.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Photo: Sabrina Poei (Local Wolves.com)

Shabang Music & Arts Festival ~ May 2nd – 3rd in San Luis Obispo

📍Dairy Creek Golf Course

⏰ 3:00pm – 11:00pm

🪩 One of SLO County’s most anticipated events of the year is here! A dynamic lineup of 60+ artists are set to perform across multiple stages at this two-day music festival. Music ranges from electronic to indie rock, with national touring acts and regional bands claiming the spotlight. Learn more here.

9th Annual Atascadero Tamale Festival ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Atascadero

📍Atascadero Sunken Gardens

⏰ 11:00am – 7:00pm

🪩Try some of the best tamales on the Central Coast at the 9th Annual Tamale Festival. The event is free and a great opprotunity to support local vendors, entertainment, and merchandise. All proceeds from the Tamale Festival’s adult beverage sales benefit the Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo. Learn more here.

2025 Barefoot Concerts on the Green ~ Every Saturday & Sunday through October 25th in Los Osos

📍Sea Pines Golf Resort

⏰ 2:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 This concert series invites all attendees to kick off their shoes and dance to the music! The concerts take place at the Sea Pines Golf Resort every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer and features dozens of artists and genres. The fun continues inside The Clubhouse Grill for more live music. Learn more here.

Los Tucanes de Tijuana ~ Friday, May 2nd in Paso Robles

📍Vina Robles Amphitheater

⏰ 8:00pm

🪩 The Latin staple band is performing some of their biggest hits like “La Chona,” “El tucanazo,” “La chica sexy,” “Vivir de noche,” “El centenario,” and new hits. Los Tucanes de Tijuana has entertained fans for nearly four decades with a long repertoire of corridos and cumbia-norteña. Learn more here.

Art in the Park ~ Sunday, May 4th in Shell Beach

📍Dinosaur Caves Park

⏰ 10:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 There is no place more scenic and perfect for an art market. This event you will find 50+ local artisans, amazing food, live music and a gorgeous ocean view! Kids can play at the nearby playground while shop for unique gifts and art. Learn more here.

VENTURA COUNTY

Rummage Sale ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Camarillo

📍Community Center Parking Lot

⏰ 7:00am – 12:00pm

🪩 Pleasant Valley is hosting a community garage sale with around 100 sale booths! Come shop for pre-owned clothing, furniture, home goods, games, etc. Goodwill be onsite to collect any unsold items you wish to donate to them. Learn more here.

5k Beer Run ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Fillmore

📍 Red Engine Brewing Company

⏰ 10:00am

🪩 This fun community events get folks out there and lets them celebrate at the end! You can run, jog, or walk this race, and then celebrate with a locally made, cold craft beverage at the finish line! Learn more here.

Cal Triathlon ~ Sunday, May 4th in Ventura

📍Harbor Cove Beach

⏰ 5:00am – 12:00pm

🪩 Cheer on some of the Central Coast’s most dedicated athletes as they compete from six Olympic distance events and sic Sprint distance events. If interested there is still space available. Learn more here.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Many formal gowns are imported from overseas, meaning they’ll be impacted by new tariffs taking effect this prom season.

That’s why the Assistance League of Santa Barbara is encouraging students throughout the area to take advantage of its free formalwear lending program.

Volunteers are busy lending out new and gently used dresses to students attending high school proms — at no cost.

“I do believe tariffs are going to impact formalwear, if they haven’t already,” said co-chair Lorraine Pereverziev. “I believe on the East Coast they’re already seeing the effects, and it generally hits us last. But these girls don’t realize we have dresses worth over $1,000 in here. They’re saving anywhere from $500 to $1,000 just by coming here.”

As of May 2, the United States has officially ended the de minimis exemption for goods imported from China and Hong Kong. This exemption had previously allowed imports valued under $800 to enter the country duty-free. This exemption widely benefited online retailers such as Shein and Temu. Now, all such shipments are subject to tariffs of up to 145%, or flat fees of $100 per dress, rising to $200 after June 1, according to the Associated Press.

Retailers have warned that the price of a typical prom dress could increase significantly as a result. The Sun reports that a $34 dress could now cost up to $83 with added fees and sales tax.

The Assistance League, located off Veronica Springs Road, has special hours during prom season through early May. It also accepts donated gowns, which are cleaned free of charge by Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners.

For more information visit https://www.assistanceleague.org

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Ryder Christ

NEW YORK — Aeluma, a Goleta-based semiconductor company, rang the Nasdaq closing bell Thursday, marking a milestone day that highlighted its recent public listing and rising presence in the advanced technology sector.

“The listing milestone we celebrate today isn’t the destination,” said founder and CEO Jonathan Klamkin during the ceremony. “It’s the launchpad. Today, Nasdaq. Tomorrow, the universe.”

Aeluma’s official debut on the Nasdaq Capital Market follows its March public offering, which raised more than $16 million. The company’s ascent comes at a pivotal time for the global semiconductor industry, following pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions and chip shortages in 2021.

“Semiconductors are everywhere and they can be better,” Klamkin said. “We are proud to be advancing American leadership in semiconductors, and the Nasdaq is the ideal home for a company built on innovation, grit and ambition.”

Aeluma’s platform integrates advanced semiconductor materials with scalable silicon processes, supporting a wide range of applications in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, communications, defense and aerospace.

“We are in the age of A.I., and we believed that if you could take the highest-performance semiconductor materials and invent ways to manufacture them at scale, the impact across industries would be transformational,” Klamkin said.

On April 23, Aeluma announced it had secured a contract from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop commercially viable, low-cost shortwave infrared (SWIR) photodetectors. These energy-efficient sensors have applications in quality inspection, remote sensing, machine vision and consumer technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, mobile devices and autonomous vehicles.

“Every time we introduce our technology to a prospective customer, they say, ‘This can’t be done.’ Our response: ‘Have you tried?’ Because we have,” Klamkin said. “We thrive where others shy away. We bring together the brightest, most talented minds.”

Aeluma Inc. (NASDAQ: ALMU) closed Thursday at $11.90, up 13.9% from the previous day’s close. The stock reached an intraday high of $12.78 and a low of $10.30, with a trading volume of approximately 680,816 shares.

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