Category: keyt-local-news

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Students from Alta Vista and La Cuesta students have reason to celebrate.

They graduated Wednesday in front of family, friends and supporters.

The ceremony returned to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens.

It is a momentous occasion for the students who chose to finish strong at the popular alternative and continuation high schools in Santa Barbara.

Betty Sanchez and her family watched her daughter Kimberly pick up her diploma.

“It is a very important moment today because is was a very hard for her because she’s not she don’t want to go to school and now she made it so that is why I am so proud of Kimberly and the whole family is proud of Kimberly,” said Sanchez.

Families brought their grads gifts including, Hawaiian leis, bouquets, candy, money and balloons.

Many of the grads plan to continue their education at Santa Barbara City College or 4-year universities.

Some are considering careers in the military.

For more information about the schools visit https://alted.sbunified.org

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — As the Earl Warren Showgrounds looks ahead to a 30-year master plan, it remains unclear whether that future includes the return of Old Spanish Days’ Fiesta Rodeo and Stock Horse Show.

A 67-year partnership between the two organizations officially ended this year, with both now planning separate rodeos during Fiesta weekend, Aug. 1–3, 2025.

The split marks a major shift in a long-standing Santa Barbara tradition, prompted by rising costs, logistical disputes, and contract challenges. Old Spanish Days has moved its signature rodeo to the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” said El Presidente Fritz Olenberger. “There’s been complaints by our committee chair of the rodeo over the years that it’s getting tougher and tougher to make a profit having this event at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.”

From 2017 to 2024, fees paid by Old Spanish Days to use the showgrounds rose more than 120%, according to financial records:

2017: $55,317.62

2018: $59,793.17

2019: $78,219.97

2020: No rodeo due to COVID-19

2021: $49,579.64

2022: $97,562.98

2023: $102,456.86

2024: $121,032.68

Old Spanish Days advocated for a flat-fee agreement to avoid unpredictable post-event invoicing, which it said left the event financially vulnerable.

Earl Warren Showgrounds CEO Ben Sprague said the increases were necessary to bring rates up to market level. “When I became CEO in 2019, the showgrounds were losing a quarter of a million dollars a year,” he said.

Sprague said he initially hoped to collaborate with Old Spanish Days before launching the showgrounds’ own event. “We actually approached them to do this with us… and then they decided… to not do that.”

In a letter to the showgrounds board, the Old Spanish Days board expressed frustration over being denied access to revenue generated by Fiesta attendees—such as parking, concessions, stabling, food and beverage, and RV fees—which they said could have supported the event’s viability.

“There’s a lot of parking there, and Earl Warren has fees for that, and they keep all of that,” Olenberger said. Sprague did not respond to questions about revenue sharing between the organizations.

The letter also cited contract delays that strained relationships with professional partners like the PRCA. Organizers reported “an adversarial environment” created by some staff, which they said negatively affected volunteers and committee members. Despite a $1.5 million investment from the equestrian community, Old Spanish Days described the facilities as “substandard.”

Sprague said that investment contributed to showground upgrades, including new fencing and the removal of three barns.

The separation comes as the showgrounds continues work on its 30-year master plan in partnership with consulting firm MKThink. The plan outlines three use zones—recreation, natural park, and flexible urban—across the 34-acre site.

Documents obtained by News Channel show the plan includes a proposed 6,000-seat arena. Sprague said the facility would “better serve the community, including rodeos.” When asked about a rumored soccer field, he said, “The arena will serve existing and new partnerships.”

Sprague also addressed concerns about parking, which is sometimes used to stage emergency response vehicles. He said Santa Barbara County’s Office of Emergency Management is involved in the planning process.

Despite the split, Sprague said Old Spanish Days is “welcome to return in the future” and emphasized that the showgrounds remains committed to rodeo programming and community events.

Olenberger, however, does not anticipate a reunion soon. “Right now, with the people on our board, I don’t think it’s going to come back,” he said.

In its letter, Old Spanish Days was unequivocal: “We cannot and will not lend the Old Spanish Days name or reputation to an event we do not produce, oversee, and stand behind with full confidence.”

In the meantime, Fiesta Rodeo Committee Chair Josiah Jenkins secured a deal to host the official Old Spanish Days Rodeo at the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center. The event will run Friday through Sunday, with all rodeo performances free to the public. A ticketed barbecue and dance is scheduled for Saturday night.

That same weekend, the Earl Warren Showgrounds will host Santa Barbara Rodeo Days, featuring three PRCA-sanctioned performances, including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and mutton busting for kids. A Fiesta-themed carnival with free admission will include rides, food vendors, live entertainment, and a mercado.

A public meeting originally scheduled for June 12 to discuss the master plan was canceled due to a lack of quorum. A new date is expected to be announced next month.

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Alissa Orozco

EDITORS NOTE: This article has been updated to include additional deployment numbers from the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have sparked fear all around the country, but now President Trump’s immigration enforcement is beginning to affect communities here on the Central Coast.

On Tuesday, hundreds of community members took to the streets in Oxnard, outraged by the detainment of several field workers in Camarillo and Oxnard.

Protests against ICE operations and mass deportations are popping up all around the country, and further escalated by heavy military presence deployed by the Trump administration. As of June 11th, the Los Angeles Police Department says at least 200 people have been arrested since protests erupted on June 6th.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department has deployed 32 deputies to Los Angeles in coordination with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, but will not assisting in ICE operations.

“The resources that we sent down to the Los Angeles area are members of our sheriff’s response team and our special enforcement team, and these are deputies that are specially trained in um civil unrest,” said Santa Barbara County PIO, Raquel Zick. “They are strictly helping out with law enforcement. They are not conducting any sort of ICE enforcement or immigration enforcement.”

 Santa Barbara Chief of Police, Kelly Gordon released a statement affirming this message:

“I want to be very clear our police department is here to serve and protect all members of our community, regardless of immigration status. In accordance with California law and our department’s long-standing policy, we do not participate in federal immigration enforcement activities.”

Ventura County Sheriff’s Department has also sent 44 deputies to Los Angeles to merely assist local law enforcement.

Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites released a statement clarifying that the department does not participate in or assist with federal immigration enforcement. The mayor of Oxnard also posted on Instagram to reassure residents that the city was not involved in the raids.

“While I acknowledge the importance of upholding immigration laws, it is also crucial that this is done fairly and justly,” said Oxnard Mayor, Luis McArthur in his statement. “The mission of the Oxnard Police Department, where I spent 35 years, is to protect and serve everyone, without any consideration of their legal status. There are members of our community, and I want to assure everyone that Oxnard officers will not engage in any field operations with ICE.”

San Luis Obispo Sheriff released a statement on Friday saying they have sent a total of 23 deputies out to Los Angeles to provide additional mutual aid. The Sheriff’s office reaffirmed, “these deputies will be deployed only for public safety and protecting government properties. They will not be used for immigration enforcement as California state law prohibits local law enforcement from assisting ICE.”

An additional four officers of the Arroyo Grande Police Department and two officers and a commander from the Grover Beach Police Department are being deployed to Los Angeles.

Tensions are expected to escalate this weekend. “No Kings” protests are scheduled in communities across the Central Coast this Saturday, the same day as President Trump’s birthday.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The American flag posted outside First Bank in Santa Barbara was set on fire sometime Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.

A caller told your News Channel that someone had burned the American flag outside of First Bank, at the corner of Las Positas Rd. and State St. in Santa Barbara, and damaged multiple sandbags.

Flags from countries around the world are displayed, but the caller says only the American flag was damaged.1

Photos sent in shows sand covering the sidewalk where the vandal, or vandals, had cut open sandbags used to anchor the flag poles.

Russ Lazarenko

Russ Lazarenko

The caller told your News Channel that they believe someone had used a blowtorch to destroy the flag, leaving it nearly reduced to ashes.

The vandalism comes at a time of political unrest in the state and in local communities. Yesterday, hundreds gathered outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse in response to federal immigration raids and a growing military presence in Southern California.

Communities rallied in Ventura County Tuesday following several Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting produce workers and farms across the county.

The American flag was replaced with a new one this morning.

Your News Channel has reached out to law enforcement for information regarding the vandalism, and is awaiting response.

This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.

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Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. – Our local police force has increased its ranks by twenty-one cadets.

The 129th graduating class of Allan Hancock College’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy crossed the stage at Hancock’s Public Safety Training complex in Lompoc Thursday morning.

“Yeah we worked very hard to get here and I’m very excited to get out there and start patrol and start working towards a career I’ve wanted forever,” says Michael Boggess, the 129th’s class sergeant.

They’ll be starting active duty next week in various Central Coast communities.

Grover Beach police chief Jim Munro served as the keynote speaker commending a strong and unified class.

“This is just the beginning of their training,” says chief Munro. “And then they go through all the other required training and eventually will be solo officers.”

Several cadets were distinguished by various awards recognizing leadership, noticeable growth through the program, as well as detail oriented awards such as safe vehicle operation.

“It’s interesting learning how to lead and help your class out and stuff,” says Class Sergeant Boggess. “It made me Class Sergeant. I was just grateful for the opportunity to come out here and be that guy for my department and really help them here as best I could.”

This year, the California Law Enforcement Historical Society’s Police Museum provided a unique and compelling display which kept families engaged after the ceremony, complete with an old-fashioned paddy wagon.

“These cadets will find themselves running towards danger and it doesn’t matter if that is everyday in their community or the events that are occurring, around our country right now,” says Chief Munro. “And that’s what’s so special about this group of people. They’re willing to take that sacrifice, are willing to stand up and protect their community.”

To learn more about Hancock’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy, or to find out how to sign up, be sure to visit the college’s website by clicking here.

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John Palminteri

UC SANTA BARBARA, Ca. – To end the UCSB school year off right, the student-led Zero Waste Committee (ZWC) is gathering all the shoes they can as part of a reuse and recycling effort.

The message is to avoid tossing shoes in the regular trash bins and eventually ending up in the landfills. That’s where there are problems with the shoes breaking down and also the environmental impacts from the materials.

The co-chair of the drive, Matthew Schoen, hopes at least 750 pairs of shoes come in. He is an environmental studies major who is routinely gathering the shoes from drop off spots. Schoen has a team of supporters and they are working with the Associated Students on the plan.

“A.S. recycling kind of does all the lifting for us, which we’re very grateful for them. My committee does the outreach, and so we’ve created something, where when I’m gone, people who ever replace my position can continue doing this,” he said. ” I’m grateful for all the people who are supporting me in this process.”

The drop off spots include, the UCSB Recreation Center, the Intercollegiate Athletics Building, and all residence halls.

Only walking, running (sneakers), casual street shoes and hiking shoes will be accepted. No sandals, flip flops or shoes with metal. The laces need to be tied together so they arrive as a pair.

The shoes will be sent to a company called Got Sneakers. The lightly used shoes that can be repurposed are resold, and the others are sent to a company that will grind them up and that material will be used in another way.

This drive started in April of last year. It was through the Environmental Leadership Incubator (ELI), a nine-month mentorship that helps undergraduates develop hands-on leadership skills to pinpoint an environmental concern and implement a solution.

The goal is to keep the shoes out of the Tajiguas landfill, where they could produce nearly 16,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.  “They’ll sit in the landfill for years and years and years until, you know, all these polymers and all these composite materials can break down. And as they’re breaking down, they’re so leaching all those lovely glues and toxic chemicals into the soils, which end up getting into our waterways, ” said Schoen .

He would like to keep the shoes in good condition and repurpose them to those in need in the local area. “If I can keep the shoes in the area, not have to spend spend those emissions shipping them across the country,” there is a benefit.

The shoe drive this year began June 2 and will end this Friday June 13.

While this is mainly a campus-wide program, off campus donations are taken too from the general public. The easiest spot is by going to the student Recreation Center. It has easy parking and is not far from the bus loop.

“I would love to expand, that’s been my dream mountaintop goal is to get expansion throughout Santa Barbara. I want to get people recycling their shoes,” said Schoen. He’s ready, “if anyone in the community wants to reach out and help me get this started.”

He knows the potential when he talks to people about the program. They says, ” I got five pairs sitting in my garage. Let me go bring some in. So it’s really cool just seeing people’s reactions to learning that it is possible and it is accessible too.”

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Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. – George Hedricks is now a man for every athletic season at Dos Pueblos High School.

He has been named the Chargers girls soccer head coach taking over for Marco Medina.

Hedricks is the longtime baseball head coach and this spring he led DP to a CIF-Southern Section Division 4 championship game appearance as well as the program’s first-ever victory in the CIF-State SoCal Regional playoffs.

He also is an assistant coach for girls flag football in the fall.

George Hedricks may have the most titles at DP as he also serves as the school resource officer.

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – There is growing national division over President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration enforcement, especially following the recent deployment of troops to Los Angeles in response to anti-ICE protests.

Trump has ordered thousands of National Guard troops to the streets of Los Angeles. As of Monday, about 1,700 National Guard members were active in the area, according to U.S. Northern Command. This follows a Saturday memorandum deploying 2,000 troops, with the Pentagon announcing an additional 2,000 on Monday. It remains unclear when the full number of troops will arrive.

Former Santa Barbara City Councilman Dale Francisco defended the federal response, arguing that violent acts during the demonstrations such as attacks on police and ICE agents justified a military presence.

“What they can’t do, however, is set cars on fire… attack the police, attack ICE agents with fireworks. That is way, way beyond peaceful protest. That’s a riot.”

Former State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson countered that the deployment was excessive and politically motivated.

“There is something called the right to assemble and to protest, and what you’ve mentioned were 2 or 3 very isolated events and the LAPD and law enforcement was handling those situations.”

A CBS News/YouGov poll conducted before the weekend’s protests found that 54% of Americans approve of the administration’s deportation program. Support is strongest among those who believe deportation efforts are focused on dangerous criminals and making the U.S. safer. However, support drops sharply among Americans who think the effort is too broad or lacks due process. Half of respondents said Trump is deporting more people than they expected, and most in that group disapprove of the program.

“This is really an excuse by Donald Trump to divert attention frankly from his failed, unpopular and disastrous presidency.”

“This isn’t the rebellion,” said Jackson. “This is people who said you have gone way too far in your efforts to supposedly control illegal immigration.”

Francisco maintained that the enforcement aligns with federal law and public safety priorities, dismissing legal challenges from state leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom.

On Monday, Newsom filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of unlawfully deploying National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles without state consent. The suit argues the move violates constitutional limits on federal authority and seeks an emergency injunction to halt the deployment.

The public demonstrations over immigration come as President Trump pushes his so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping budget proposal that has passed the House and is now under review in the Senate. The legislation includes tax cuts, increased funding for border security, and proposed cuts to clean energy incentives, Medicaid, and public broadcasting. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill is projected to add approximately $2.4 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade.

Francisco acknowledged the bill’s shortcomings but praised its defense and immigration provisions.

“There’s funding for 700 miles of border wall… 10,000 new ICE agents… and $25 billion to get the so-called golden dome project started.”

He also argued that reducing subsidies for renewable energy in favor of traditional energy sources like nuclear and fossil fuels would improve grid reliability.

Jackson described the bill as “a billionaire tax scam,” warning of widespread consequences for working-class Americans.

“It’s gonna throw between 14 and 16 million Americans off of their health care… give tax breaks to the rich… and blow an additional 2.4 trillion into our budget.”

She cited additional provisions in the bill that would defund Planned Parenthood, shield Trump from court orders, and open 300 million acres of public land to new oil drilling.

Trump hopes to sign the bill before July 4.

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Caleb Nguyen

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Crews helped rescue a mountain biker at Jailbreak and Flying Ewok Trails just after 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to CAL FIRE SLO.

CAL FIRE SLO crews worked to find the rider as of 6:35 p.m. and received help from CHP and SLO City Fire Department.

Crews found the patient just before 7:00 p.m. and later flew them to the hospital for treatment, according to CAL FIRE SLO.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Grace Housing, Inc. is announcing its grant recipients to 15 non-profits in Santa Barbara on Tuesday.

The announcement is set to take place at Grace Village Apartments.

The focus of the grants is to help organizations meet the community’s most urgent needs.

Since its inception in 2015, Grace Housing has given out over $1.25 million in grants.

From Grace Housing, Inc.:

Grace Housing, Inc. to Announce 15 Local Nonprofits Receiving Funds During its 10th Annual Grant Recipient Reception

Organization has Deep Legacy of Local Charitable Work, Since 1902 

Grace Housing Inc. (GHI) to announce 15 grant recipients at its 10th Annual Grant Recipient Reception on Tuesday, June 10th at Grace Village Apartments.

The reception celebrates the 2025 recipients of Grace Housing Inc.’s charitable grants, which empower local organizations to meet the community’s most urgent needs.

Since its inception in 2015, GHI has distributed over $1.25 million in charitable grants, continuing the legacy of service established by Grace Lutheran Church, which donated the land that made this mission possible.

Grace Housing, Inc. operates with a commitment to sustaining and expanding the impact of Grace Lutheran’s charitable work.

Beyond managing affordable housing properties, GHI actively seeks to fund initiatives that address Santa Barbara’s community needs.

Its charitable grant program supports organizations focused on essential services, including food security, healthcare access, and housing solutions for vulnerable populations.

By reinvesting rental income from its properties, Grace Housing Inc. maintains a steady source of funding that ensures long-term support for Santa Barbara’s most pressing social challenges.

Prior to the establishment of Grace Housing, Inc. Grace Lutheran Church and its congregation has always had the vision of continued service to others, beginning as a small but dedicated group in the early 1900s with a mission to provide food for the hungry, shelter for people who are homeless, and supportive services for low income families, individuals and seniors. 

Through its partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and California Lutheran Homes, Grace Housing Inc. has developed an ever-growing fund dedicated to future affordable housing projects in the greater Santa Barbara community. 

This year, 15 nonprofits will receive a total of $148,000 in funding, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. 

About Grance Housing, Inc.:

Grace Housing Inc. was founded to steward the charitable legacy of Grace Lutheran Church, a long-standing Santa Barbara faith community that prioritized service and social good.

When the church transitioned out of regular worship services, its leadership made a transformational gift—donating land to the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara. 

Grace Village is a 58-unit affordable senior housing community created on the donated land. Opened in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, it provides safe, supportive homes for low-income seniors.  

Today, Grace Housing Inc., in coordination with California Lutheran Homes and the Housing Authority for the City of Santa Barbara, manages its remaining properties and business tenancies, using the rental income to generate annual charitable grants to organizations serving vulnerable populations in Santa Barbara County and a designated fund for future low-income housing in our community.

Through this innovative model, GHI continues to honor the mission of Grace Lutheran Church—supporting dignity, shelter, food security, and community connection, creating a living legacy of faith that keeps giving.

For more information about Grace Housing Inc., visit www.gracehousinginc.com (http://www.gracehousinginc.com/)  or contact: Pat Wheatley, GHI Board Member – (805) 896-0693 

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