Category: keyt-local-news

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Bicycle lights are being given out to cyclists in need of lights while supplies last.

Move Santa Barbara County brought back “Iluminando La Noche” or Light Up The Night this week.

It’s a five day event.

Organizers gave out 100 pairs of bike lights on Milpas on Monday night and another 100 on State Street on Tuesday.

On the Westside Wednesday volunteers and Move staff ran out of lights in about an hour.

They move on to Carpinteria and Isla Vista on Thursday and Goleta on Friday.

The giveaways start around 5 p.m.

Cyclists riding near San Andres and Micheltorena on Wednesday evening had them installed on the spot.

Program Director Barry Remis said the events are intended to help cyclists be more visible during the long winter nights.

Vanessa Garcia could see the giveaway from her house.

“My mom was saying they are giving out free bike light and said you should get light for your sister,” Garcia, ” she is going to be safe when she rides her bike.”

Daniel Muñoz saw the giveaway as he rode across the Micheltorena St. bridge.

“I ride to work, to school and everywhere and the beach for exercise,” said Muñoz.

They also share information about their Bici Centro, the DIY or do-it-yourself bike repair shop on 434 Olive St. in Santa Barbara.

Miles Curtis is the Bici Centro shop manager. Curtis said everyone needs to have lights at night especially bicycle commuters.

Hannah Rose is the Move Education Coordinator.

She wore her late grandmother’s bicycle earrings as she put lights on bikes.

Rose also takes bike safety lessons to schools.

The California Highway Patrol is planning a similar giveaway in Isla Vista around the holidays, but officers are still working with UCSB students on a date.

Everyone wants cyclists to be visible to drivers and lights will lead the way.

You will find more information about this weeks event visit https:movesbcounty.org

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Alissa Orozco

ISLA VISTA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has released a recap report of law enforcement activity in Isla Vista both for Halloween weekend and the weekend prior.

The Sheriff’s office says they encountered more crowds and activity during the weekend prior to Halloween, saying “many partygoers appeared to shift their plans and celebrate the weekend before Halloween in an effort to avoid the outdoor festival ordinance’s restrictions.”

The Isla Vista Foot Patrol enforced a noise ordinance for the community of Isla Vista from Oct. 26th to Nov. 4th and parking was restricted in nearby streets in Goleta neighborhoods – limiting large-scale Halloween celebration.

The strict curfew brought Halloween activities and crowds a week early, but the Sheriff’s office says “operations remained manageable due to visible patrol presence, proactive enforcement, and strong collaboration among agencies.”

Throughout both weekends, the following was reported:

Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26
Friday, October 31 to Sunday, November 2

Arrests
17
1

Citations
80
11

“We anticipated that Halloween activity would begin earlier this year, and we responded with staffing levels that allowed us to meet the ebb and flow of crowds on both weekends. Our deputies, along with our law enforcement partners, worked proactively to keep Isla Vista safe, and we will continue evaluating staffing needs for future high-activity weekends,” reported Lieutenant Joe Schmidt.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office worked with the University of California Police Department, Santa Barbara County Fire, and other public safety partners throughout both weekends.

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Caleb Nguyen

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office detectives provided a new map and photo in their search for Melodee Buzzard.

SBCSO detectives began investigating Melodee and her mother, Ashlee, on Oct. 14 at their Lompoc residence after a prolonged absence from school.

Investigators only got to speak with Ashlee, who had no verifiable explanation for Melodee’s absence from school and remains uncooperative in confirming Melodee’s location or her well-being, according to the SBCSO.

Detectives confirmed Ashlee left California on Oct. 7 in a white 2024 Chevy Malibu bearing a California license plate, according to the SBCSO.

Detectives also believe Ashlee and Melodee travelled as far as Nebraska and had a return that included Kansas, according to the SBCSO.

Investigators also believe a New York license plate that Ashlee began using Oct. 8 did not belong to the car or Ashlee and that the false or switched plate was for avoiding detection, according to the SBCSO.

Ashlee later returned the Malibu to its rental agency in Lompoc with its original California license plate, according to the SBCSO.

Detectives now confirm that Melodee was last seen via video surveillance on Oct. 9 near the Colorado-Utah border on a return route, and law enforcement is now trying to fill gaps in the timeline, according to the SBCSO.

Law enforcement agencies in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California are all reaching out to members of their communities for further details on the case, according to the SBCSO.

Investigators believe the Malibu traveled through the following areas on or around Oct. 9:

Green River, Utah

Panguitch, Utah

Northwest Arizona

Primm, Nevada

Rancho Cucamonga, California

The following map shows the route of the car’s stops on Oct. 9 and 10, and SBCSO detectives encourage communities to share relevant information or check surveillance:

Courtesy: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office

Investigators also shared surveillance images from the Lompoc rental car dealership on Oct. 7, with both Ashlee and Melodee wearing wigs in the photos, according to the SBCSO.

Melodee is described as a 9-year-old girl, standing four feet, six inches tall, 60 pounds with brown curly hair and brown eyes, according to the SBCSO.

Detectives will continue providing updates as they become available, and those with information on Melodee’s whereabouts are asked to contact the SBCSO detective line, the anonymous tip line, and visit its website.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from The City of Goleta regarding the delayed opening of a Splash Pad at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park

GOLETA, Calif. – The City of Goleta would like to update the community on the status of the Splash Pad at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park in Old Town. The City anticipated opening in 2025 but during recent testing and inspection, equipment failures were identified and, as a result, the facility does not meet the City’s safety and quality standards required to open at this time. Staff and the contractors have been working for months to address the deficiencies.

“We understand how disappointing this news is for our residents,” said JoAnne Plummer, Director of Neighborhood Services. “The Splash Pad has been one of our most anticipated park improvements, and our community has been waiting patiently. While we are eager to open this facility to the public, the City is committed to taking the time needed to ensure the safety, reliability and long-term performance of the project.”

City staff and contractors have diligently worked towards completing the Splash Pad installation but continue to run into persistent mechanical and operational challenges. The City is actively working closely with the contractor and equipment manufacturer to identify and resolve the root causes of the malfunctions. Once the technical issues are resolved, the City is optimistic it will be able to open the splash pad. An updated timeline will be announced as soon as repairs and verification testing are complete.

The original design of Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park, which opened on March 30, 2019, envisioned a splash pad. At that time, a splash pad could not be constructed due to water restrictions associated with the prolonged, multi-year drought. As the water restrictions were lifted, the City of Goleta moved forward with design and construction of the splash pad. The project broke ground on June 13, 2023, and delivery of the project to the public has been delayed by construction issues, supply chain challenges, and now mechanical and operational deficiencies.

“We deeply appreciate the community’s patience and understanding through this process,” added Plummer. “We look forward to celebrating the opening together soon and delivering a feature that will bring joy to residents for many summers to come.”

For ongoing updates about the splash pad project, please visit our website at www.cityofgoleta.org/splashpad.

Traducción al español:

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – La ciudad de Goleta desea actualizar a la comunidad sobre el estado de la plataforma de chapoteo en e; Parque del Vecindario Jonny D. Wallis en Old Town. La ciudad anticipó la apertura en 2025, pero durante las pruebas e inspecciones recientes, se identificaron fallas en los equipos y, como resultado, la instalación no cumple con los estándares de seguridad y calidad de la ciudad requeridos para abrir en este momento. El personal y los contratistas han estado trabajando durante meses para abordar las deficiencias.

“Entendemos lo decepcionante que es esta noticia para nuestros residentes”, dijo JoAnne Plummer, Directora de Servicios Vecinales. “La plataforma de chapoteo ha sido una de nuestras mejoras más esperadas en el parque, y nuestra comunidad ha estado esperando pacientemente. Si bien estamos ansiosos por abrir esta instalación al público, la Ciudad se compromete a tomarse el tiempo necesario para garantizar la seguridad, confiabilidad y rendimiento a largo plazo del proyecto”.

El personal y los contratistas de la ciudad han trabajado diligentemente para completar la instalación de la Plataforma de Chapoteo, pero continúan enfrentándose a desafíos mecánicos y operativos persistentes. La Ciudad está trabajando activamente en estrecha colaboración con el contratista y el fabricante del equipo para identificar y resolver las causas fundamentales de las fallas de funcionamiento. Una vez que se resuelvan los problemas técnicos, la ciudad es optimista de que podrá abrir la plataforma de chapoteo. Se anunciará un cronograma actualizado tan pronto como se completen las reparaciones y las pruebas de verificación.

El diseño original del Parque Jonny D. Wallis, que se inauguró el 30 de marzo de 2019, preveía una plataforma de chapoteo. En ese momento, no se pudo construir una plataforma de chapoteo debido a las restricciones de agua asociadas con la prolongada sequía de varios años. A medida que se levantaron las restricciones de agua, la ciudad de Goleta avanzó con el diseño y la construcción del chapoteo. El proyecto comenzó el 13 de junio de 2023 y la entrega del proyecto al público se ha retrasado por problemas de construcción, desafíos en la cadena de suministro y ahora deficiencias mecánicas y operativas.

“Apreciamos profundamente la paciencia y la comprensión de la comunidad a través de este proceso”, agregó Plummer. “Esperamos celebrar la apertura juntos pronto y ofrecer una función que traerá alegría a los residentes durante muchos veranos”.

Para obtener actualizaciones continuas sobre el proyecto de la plataforma de chapoteo, por favor visite nuestro sitio web en www.cityofgoleta.org/splashpad.

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Caleb Nguyen

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – A garbage truck caught fire at the intersection of S. Patterson Ave. and More Ranch Road in Goleta just after 1:40 p.m., according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Fire crews knocked the fire down about 30 minutes later but both lanes are blocked due to hot spots around the area, according to the SBCFD.

The truck operator dumped the burning garbage into the roadway, closing S. Patterson in both directions, according to the SBCFD.

Marborg is sending a second garbage truck and heavy equipment for debris removal ,and the fire’s cause remains under investigation.

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Alissa Orozco

ISLA VISTA, Calif. (KEYT) – Several weapons, including a stolen .357 magnum revolver, was recovered Saturday night in Isla Vista.

Just after midnight on November 1st, Sheriff’s deputies approached a group of five juveniles and one adult at the beach access point near the 6500 block of Del Playa Drive. The juveniles were detained for violating the county’s nighttime curfew.

During the investigations, one of the detainees – a 16-year-old male – allowed officers to search his backpack. Inside, several fixed-blade knives were found. The discovery lead to a probable cause search of the juvenile, in which a loaded .357 magnum revolver was found in his pants pocket.

The firearm was confirmed to have been stolen out of Arizona.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office says the juvenile in possession of the revolver has been arrested and booked in Juvenile Hall. The remaining minors were cited and released to their parents.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –  The driver in a 2024 hit and run in Santa Barbara will not have a trial. Instead Brock Hoffman has entered a no contest plea Santa Barbara Superior Court.

That is the equivalent of a guilty plea and moves the proceedings into the next phase.

He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death of serious injury. He also admitted to circumstances that can aggravate a felony sentence, such as using great violence.

The victim, Juan Lopez of Santa Barbara, died from multiple injuries in the late night crash on June 29, 2024 at 11:39 p.m. according to the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) at the scene. He was deceased before he could be transported to the hospital. Hoffman turned himself in to the police on July 4 after being identified as the driver. 

Hoffman previously plead not guilty in September 2024.

Hoffman was driving a 1996 Toyota Landcruiser on Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara when Lopez was hit crossing the street. The crash was near apartments and the Santa Barbara City College west campus entrance.

Hoffman stopped but witnesses confirmed he left the scene.

After the vehicle was identified Hoffman spoke with an attorney and surrendered to the Santa Barbara Police Department.

Hoffman posted bail and has not been held in custody.

An eight-page form was presented in court and signed by Hoffman with his plea.

Sentencing is set for December 16th

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Santa Maria has announced its transit system has successfully transitioned its entire fleet of buses to 100% battery-electric vehicles.

The city indicated it believes its Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) system is now just the second in the United States to feature an all-electric fleet.

The announcement follows the recent delivery of six electric buses, boosting the total number within the SMRT fleet to 40.

“These efforts are a reflection of our commitment to prioritizing financial prudence and a focus on long-term security,” SMRT Transit Services Manager Gamaliel Anguiano, Transit Services said in a release. “By converting to an all-electric fleet, we are moving SMRT toward greater independence from volatile global fuel markets and potential supply chain issues while also realizing substantial operating cost savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. This investment in our community’s future is a practical step towards fulfilling our objectives of being a Smart City, Safe City.”

The historic achievement for SMRT completes a four-year initiative by the City of Santa Maria to fully transition all of its buses into a 100 percent battery-electric transit fleet.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The clock is running out for voters to cast their ballots by mail, at a ballot drop box, or make their plan to vote in-person on election day, Tuesday.

For those who are having ballot or voting issues, the election office has added staff members to answer phone calls in person to clarify any issue. That would include last minute registration.

About two weeks ago, roughly 80 percent of the voters who are eligible to participate in the November 4 election in Santa Barbara County still had their ballot, but had not yet mailed it.

The County Elections Office said at that time approximately 52,000 have been returned.

Since then the pace has picked up at all locations, but an estimate of the ultimate turnout would only be a guess, by even elections officials, at this point.

The newest numbers Monday show a turnout rate of about 32 percent. That’s roughly 80,000 votes. For this election there are 250,857 registered voters in the county.

This is a unique election where the ballot in front of voters asks for only one choice.

Proposition 50 concerns congressional redistricting in the state. It was placed on the ballot by the state legislature and specifically focuses on the redistricting process. Officially it is called The Electlon Rigging Response Act.

There are no candidates on the ballot.

At one of the downtown Santa Barbara drop boxes Melinda Brown said, “it’s a special election. It is not common, it is an off year.     I still think there will be a  strong turnout.”

Angel Garcia came from work and had ballots for his family. “Considering what is going on right now, nothing is normal right now.  This is fantastic. I am doing whatever we can.”

At the box by the Santa Barbara City College Garvin Theatre, Thorn Robertson said, “this is the first time I have done the drop off box.  Usually I like the  old fashioned way and going to the actually polling places and thanking the volunteers for what they are doing.”

With the clock winding down, Mimi Mork said, “it has been in my bag for days. I was thinking about getting it in a week ago.”

Coming back into town after being gone, Elissa Ross said she “went through a huge pile of mail and off to mail it. These mid terms are going to be key as a vision into the next election.”

These voters don’t want to be on the sidelines. “I strongly believe that everybody gets involved and take the time and vote. People feel my vote won’t count  I am just one person.  NO every vote counts,”   said Stella Ybarra.

A “Yes” vote would allow the state to temporarily use new, legislatively drawn congressional district maps for elections beginning in 2026. This would last until the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission redraws the maps following the 2030 U.S. Census.

A “No” vote would keep the current congressional district maps, drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, in place until new maps are adopted after the 2030 Census.

The vote by mail ballot can be returned at a U.S. Post Office mail box, a white special ballot box, or in person on election day at any precinct location or the election office.     

The ballots went out, the first week of October and some filled it out immediately.

The California Secretary of State says voters have options on how to return their ballot. 

Voters can:

Drop off their ballot at a secure designated drop box, polling location, vote center, or county elections office.

Mail in their ballot. Ballots must be post-marked on or before Election Day. If mailing your vote-by-mail ballot, it is recommended that you mail your ballot early. In some locations, mail may not be postmarked by USPS until the following day; it is recommended to get a manual postmark from a postal employee inside your local U.S. Post Office if mailing your ballot on Election Day.

Voters also have the option to vote in-person.

More information about voting options can be found here: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/.

California voters can register to vote or update their voter registration online at: registertovote.ca.gov.

Voters who are unsure of their voter registration status can quickly check it online at: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.

Upcoming California key deadlines and dates for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election can be found at: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/statewide-special-nov-4-2025/key-dates-and-deadlines.

The last day to register to vote online was October 20, 2025.

Same day (conditional) registration will be available October 21, 2025 – November 4, 2025 https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

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

La Oficina Electoral del Condado de Santa Bárbara recuerda a los votantes las opciones de devolución de boletas Las oficinas de Santa María y Santa Bárbara servirán como centros de votación el día de las elecciones, 4 de noviembre de 2025.

(SANTA BÁRBARA, Calif.). El Secretario a cargo del Registro de Votantes del Condado de Santa Bárbara, Joe Holland, les recuerda a los votantes que, a medida que se acerca la Elección Electoral del Condado del martes 4 de noviembre de 2025, existen varias opciones de devolver su boleta para que pueda incluirse en el recuento.

“Todos los votantes registrados en el Condado de Santa Bárbara recibieron una boleta oficial de voto por correo, junto con materiales de votación a principios de octubre”, afirmó Holland. “Ahora es el momento de devolver la boleta”.

Después de marcar sus selecciones, los votantes deben ingresar la boleta en el sobre de devolución que fue proporcionado, sellarlo, firmarlo y escribir la fecha en el sobre. “Es fundamental que el sobre de devolución esté firmado”, enfatizó Holland. “Cada firma en la boleta se verifica con la firma de registro del votante para validar la boleta antes de que se cuente”. Maneras de devolver una boleta.

Por correo: las boletas pueden ser devueltas a través del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos. No se requiere franqueo siempre y cuando estén selladas a más tardar el Día de las Elecciones, 4 de noviembre. El Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos invita a los votantes a enviar sus boletas por correo con antelación para asegurar la entrega oportuna para el procesamiento y el conteo.

En las urnas oficiales: las urnas seguras están ubicadas en todo el Condado de Santa Bárbara y están disponibles las 24 horas del día hasta las 8 p.m. el Día de las Elecciones. Puede encontrar la lista de las ubicaciones oficiales de las urnas en Urna ubicada en Allan Hancock en Santa María cada boleta enviada por correo y está publicada en sbcvote.com.

Votar en persona: aunque todos los votantes registrados reciben una boleta de voto por correo, aquellos que prefieren votar en persona pueden hacerlo en su centro de votación asignado el día de las elecciones. Hay más de 50 centros de votación ubicados en todo el condado para asistir a los votantes el Día de las Elecciones. Los votantes pueden encontrar su centro de votación visitando sbcvote.com e ingresando su dirección residencial.

La Oficina de Elecciones de Santa Bárbara ubicada en 4440-A Calle Real en Santa Bárbara y la de Santa María en 511 Lakeside Parkway en Santa María servirán como centros de votación de servicio completo el día de las elecciones, martes 4 de noviembre, de 7 a. m. a 8 p. m.

Para obtener más información:Los votantes tienen muchas opciones para obtener información electoral. El personal electoral está disponible para apoyar por teléfono al (800) 722-8683, a través del sitio web de la Oficina Electoral, https://www.countyofsb.org/164/Elections, y por correo electrónico a electionsupport@countyofsb.org.

Además, la Oficina Electoral de Santa Bárbara ubicada en 4440-A Calle Real en Santa Bárbara está abierta de lunes a viernes de 8 a. m. a 5 p. m. La oficina también abrirá el sábado 1 de noviembre, de 9 a. m. a 2 p. m.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Sanctuary Centers is already seeing a sharp rise in new patients.

“It’s gotten increasingly busy in my role as a therapist … seeing a lot more people a lot more diverse, backgrounds, and documented on sheltered … speaking to the types of people and the type of community we see here,” said associate marriage and family therapist Daisy Cruz-Dominguez of the Integrated Health Clinic in Santa Barbara.

A new federal policy is blocking county clinics from treating Medi-Cal patients who don’t meet immigration status rules — driving thousands to seek care elsewhere.

“Many undocumented and even some DACA recipients are being told they are not allowed to see their Primary Care Doctor anymore because of an executive order from the White House that takes effect January 1,” said director Chris Reilly of the Integrated Health Clinic in Santa Barbara.

The clinic on Micheltorena Street plans to take in up to 1,800 of them — providing primary care and mental health services in one place.

“They can come to the integrated health clinic. They’re still welcome here. Their insurance is still here and we are working with their health plan to make a home for them if needed,” said Reilly.

“My concern is that with all the fear and all the stress and all the nervousness around day-to-day life for undocumented folks already this is just going to be another added stressor, but we’re able to provide case management psychiatry, therapy medical resources,” said Cruz-Dominguez.

Staff report the influx is testing limits, but they’re expanding fast.

CenCal Health is placing the rest with other providers.

“My hope is people will come by. Say hi to us … see us get to know us … feel comfortable here and know that for all of the problems that this Community worries about today … healthcare is not one of them that they need to worry about,” said Reilly.

Sanctuary Centers leadership calls uninterrupted patient access the top priority.

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