Category: keyt-local-news

Andie Lopez Bornet

VENTURA, Calif. — A construction mishap caused a large chunk of pavement to collapse in Ventura, leaving residents shocked by what they saw and heard.

Doug Danavick, feed manager at The Wharf, was across the street when it happened

“Well, unfortunately, we hear loud noises here a lot,” Danavick said. “But at first it was more about watching the people and how they were reacting, which you could see was alarming to them.”

Soon after, people began posting about the collapse on social media, referring to it as a sinkhole.

“Yeah, I didn’t see anything, but I was at home catching up on emails and all of a sudden I hear a big boom and a lot of screaming, commotion,” said Ventura resident Michael Hanrahan. “And I’m like, ‘What’s that?’ Then I saw my phone — sinkhole. That’s what that noise was.”

But the City of Ventura is not calling it that. City officials say the ground collapsed due to a temporary shoring failure at a construction site on Front Street near Kalorama.

Crews have been working on a luxury apartment building for Aldersgate Investment. The company said it could not provide a comment when contacted by NewsChannel.

Another real estate company, Commune Capital, is also involved in the project. In an Instagram post, Commune Capital Co-President Mikey Taylor acknowledged the incident, saying the company is working with the City of Ventura to determine what happened.

“I don’t know who is responsible, but I’m sure someone is getting fired, so that’s one thing,” Hanrahan added.

Johnny Flores, who lives behind the site, said he spoke with a city employee who explained the issue was not technically a sinkhole.

“He said that technically it wasn’t a sinkhole — that these beams here that were supposed to hold up this dirt gave way. It was just too heavy for it,” Flores said. “And I noticed that the same type of beams are only like five feet away from the back of my house.”

The City of Ventura has red-tagged a nearby residential structure and part of a commercial property as a precaution. Officials say they are now working with construction engineers to assess the damage and determine how to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Buena star golfer Brady McHenry won the CIF-SCGA So Cal Boys High School Championship in a playoff over Hill Wang of La Serna.

McHenry, a Texas Tech-commit, fired a 7-under par at Los Serrano Golf Club and qualified for the State Championship at Poppy Hills GC, Pebble Beach, CA June 3rd.

Past CIF-SCGA Champions include Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Phil Mickleson.

Dos Pueblos senior Teddy Vigna also qualified for the State Championship after he tied for fourth place with a 5-under par 69.

Vigna birdied 3 of his first six holes but entering his 17th hole of the day he was sitting just outside of the cut line.

(Teddy Vigna is all smiles after qualifying for State Championship. Courtesy Photo).

After a good tee shot, he made an outstanding approach shot from 230 yards away. Vigna hit a 4 iron to 10 feet and drained the putt for eagle, vaulting him into a tie for 4th and inside the cut line.

He would par his final hole.

San Marcos sophomore Austin Downing ended up 3-under par and just missed the cut.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Mitch Wisnowsky is looking for a new NFL home after the San Francisco 49ers released the 33-year old punter.

Wishnowsky was a fourth round draft pick by the 49ers in 2019 out of the University of Utah.

The Australian punted at Santa Barbara City College as a freshman in 2014 before transferring to Utah.

He missed the final eight games of the season last year as he went on injured reserve with a bad back.

Wishnowsky went to the Super Bowl twice with the 49ers and has been one of the best punters in the NFL at pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line.

(Wishnowsky at a media session before Super Bowl LVIIII)

In 2023 Wishnowsky averaged a career-best in gross yards (47.7) and net yards (42.7).

But last year he slipped to 30th in the NFL in gross average (45.2) and 34th in net average (36.3) with injuries a factor.

San Francisco signed 39-year old punter Thomas Morstead as they continue to overhaul their special teams unit.

 He averaged 47.2 yards per punt last season with a 40.7 yard net average.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The 82nd Annual Santa Maria Rodeo and Parade continues on Thursday night with a second day of exciting rodeo action set to take place inside the Elks Event Center.

On Wednesday, the Elks officially opened its first-ever five-day long rodeo with a performance that featured Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Xtreme Bulls.

The bull riding only show was the first of its kind in Santa Maria, and according to Elks Recreation, the non-profit organization that operates the rodeo, the night was a big success.

“We had a great show,” said Peter Sterling, Elks Recreation President. “I think it was one of the best. It was brand new for us to have this additional event. And we are very pleased with how it came out.”

With the show taking place on a cool Wednesday night, Sterling added the Elks weren’t sure how the evening would turn out, but those questions were quickly answered when a near-capacity crowd filled the grandstands and surrounding tent areas.

“It was a great way to kick off our rodeo for this year,” said Sterling. “We seem to really have some really good momentum last night, and everything just seemed to click together. The bull riders were excellent. I know the bulls always seem to win, but you know, we had a great time and we are really excited about what what lies in front of us again because if we get the support we got from last night, we’re going to be great. It was awesome. We really appreciate everybody that came out and everybody seemed to have a really good time.”

While the bulls had their way most of the evening, a handful of cowboys were successful in handing for the required eight seconds to earn a score.

Coming out on top was none than Wacey Schalla, the 19-year-old Oklahoma native who is currently the world’s top ranked bull rider.

Schalla was the last rider of the night and just hung on long enough to score 89.5 points to capture first place and a cash prize of about $7,000.

With one night down, four more days remain, including the second night on Thursday, which will feature this year’s debut of the traditional rodeo format the Elks have held for decades.

“We’re going to have bull riding as part of that,” said Sterling. “We’re also going to have our calf roping and rough stock bareback, saddle bronc riding and the whole the whole rodeo and the whole package, so it should be a really great rodeo.”

The entire show on Thursday through Sunday will feature the always popular mutton bustin’, plus six PRCA events, including team roping, bull rding, bronc riding, bareback riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) barrel racing and breakaway roping.

The rodeo will also include several specialty acts, the Flying Cowboys motorcycle stunt team, junior breakaway roping, Elks team roping and more.

For more information about the 82nd Annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade, click here to visit the official website.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA,  Calif. – The newest shuttle service on the Central Coast is on a roll with 12 wheels in motion in downtown Santa Barbara.

That’s three four-wheeled shuttles traveling in a caravan up and down State Street.

They start at the 1200 block of State Street, near the Granada Theatre, and head to the Dolphin fountain at the base of Stearns Wharf. Then the go back to complete the loop.

The “Loop” is also the name of the service.

It is a collaboration between the City of Santa Barbara, the group Friends of State Street, and the SWEEP SB shuttle cart rental service in the Funk Zone.

The carts will run from Thursday to Sunday every weekend until Labor Day. They will be in motion starting at noon until 7 p.m.

Each one can take the driver and five passengers. One of the shuttles is ADA accessible for the mobility challenged.

The temporary service is to see how this can fit into the master plan for State Street, which is currently in the development and design phase. An update is expected soon to the City Council.

One of the first riders said it will be good for the locals, the visitors and those who just need a break from walking.

Robert Michael Garcia was on board when he said, “well I think it is a great idea and for the tourists to get a ride up State. It is a great idea. I love it. I’m going to enjoy it. I know that I hope the tourists and all the other people who walk up and down State enjoy it.”

The shuttles have stops in every block, with special marking on the asphalt and signs on polls.

The rides are free.

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Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— The attack happened Wednesday, May 21st around 4:30 pm at Beanie Babies founder Ty Warner’s mansion on Fairway Road.  Forty two year old Russell Maxwell Phay was arrested after authorities say he jumped from a second-floor window. Officers found Linda Malek-Aslanian severely beaten. She ended up in a coma due to a brain injury, which factored into the charges against Phay. “My heart goes out to the victim and for the victim’s family and what they have to go through, because there’s really no justification or reason that somebody should have to suffer this kind of tragedy,” said Supervising Deputy District Attorney Kevin Weichbrod. Malek- Aslanian worked for Warner’s Hotels and Resorts from 2004 to 2015, according to a Brokercheck report. Phay faces charges including first degree attempted murder, residential burglary with a person present, kidnapping, assault and resisting or delaying a peace officer. If Phay is convicted, he could serve life in prison.  “It is one of the most traumatic events and it’s one of the most traumatic experiences anybody can suffer. Your home is your place of safety. It is where you go to relax, to be with family, and to have it violated in that manner. The California penal Code takes that very seriously as does the district attorney’s office,” said Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch.

Warner was home at the time of the attack, but was unharmed. Phay has a long history of criminal charges and complaints. He also has a no bail warrant out of San Luis Obispo. In a 2014 interview with a San Francisco media outlet Phay, a veteran with a history of mental health issues, expressed belief that he is “salvageable.” The DA’s office says even attempted murder is eligible for mental health diversion. “That’s a potential that the defense could file a mental health diversion petition, and that’s something that we would litigate in court. Mental health can be used as a defense for certain elements. It can be a defense for specific intent crimes, such as the intent to kill. And then it also becomes a sentencing factor. If there is a conviction, mental health issues can be mitigating factors in terms of potential punishment,” said Weichbrod.  A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Monday June 2nd, and the preliminary hearing will be on Tuesday, June 3rd.

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Ryder Christ

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — California has more older adults than at any time in the state’s history, and adults over 60 now represent the fastest-growing demographic, according to the California Department of Aging.

“With about 9 million people aged 60 or older, this is an exciting time in California,” said Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging. “Older Californians are vital members of our workforce, volunteers in our communities, and often grandparents raising grandchildren.”

DeMarois emphasized that aging is not just a number but a stage of life filled with contributions, strength and wisdom. However, she said too many families wait until a crisis to address issues like future care plans or housing preferences.

“We encourage people to start these conversations now, before a crisis hits,” DeMarois said. “Younger family members can ask, ‘What’s important to you?’ And older adults should feel empowered to share their needs and preferences.”

Experts say embracing aging positively can lead to longer and healthier lives. Dr. Anna Chodos, a professor of clinical medicine at UCSF, said studies show those who imagine aging optimistically tend to fare better physically and emotionally.

Laura Carstensen, director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, added that emotional well-being often improves with age.

“Older people are slower to anger, more grateful and more altruistic,” Carstensen said. “It’s one of the best-kept secrets about getting older.”

Experts say staying active and engaged is an essential part of healthy aging. Sue Crivello, a local older adult, credits a senior fitness class with transforming her health and mindset.

“I was almost 200 pounds, and now I’ve lost 61,” Crivello said. “I feel younger now than I did before.”

Tyrone Yip, a volunteer with Self-Help for the Elderly, said staying physically active and contributing to others gives him a sense of purpose.

“I like to volunteer and use my strength,” Yip said. “It gives meaning to my life.”

Doctors and caregivers say independence remains a top priority for many older Californians. Dr. Wynn Canio, a geriatric specialist with Kaiser Permanente, said older patients often express a strong desire to remain in their homes and involved in their own planning — even when cognitive issues arise.

Carlos L. Olivas III, a family caregiver, said cultural values shaped his decision to care for his aging father.

“We’ve always been a multigenerational family,” he said. “It just felt like the right thing to do.”

To support this growing population, the state offers a wide range of services through local Area Agencies on Aging and Caregiver Resource Centers. These programs help individuals and families navigate everything from short-term needs to long-term planning.

“Sometimes someone needs support for a few weeks, sometimes for years,” DeMarois said. “Wherever you are on the journey, there are resources to help.”

For more information on services and support for aging Californians, visit aging.ca.gov.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the Santa Barbara Unified School District regarding the appointment of two new principals for Santa Barbara High School and Adams Elementary.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara Unified School District is excited to announce the appointment of two new principals, following recent Board approvals.

Ed Gomez to Lead Santa Barbara High School

We are thrilled to share that Ed Gomez has been unanimously approved by the Board on May 6, 2025, as the next principal of Santa Barbara High School. 

He replaces Fred Razo, who has been SBHS principal for the past two school years. 

Gomez has been an integral part of the SBHS community, serving as an assistant principal, and we are excited to see him continue to lead and inspire in this new capacity. 

He has been an administrator in SBUSD since 2019, having served as a dean at La Colina and La Cumbre Junior Highs, and an assistant principal at SBCA and La Cumbre Junior High before joining the SBHS staff in 2023.  

Before becoming an administrator, Mr. Gomez taught social science and physical education in secondary schools for 27 years. Twenty of those years were at Santa Paula High School. 

“I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading such an iconic and historic institution. For 150 years, Santa Barbara High School has been a cornerstone in the community. We will continue to build upon the legacy of academic, athletic, and artistic excellence established by generations of Dons students and staff. My goal is to not merely maintain Santa Barbara High School, but to cultivate it to its fullest potential.”

The district has already begun the process to identify his successor as assistant principal.

“Ed Gomez’s extensive experience as an educator and administrator makes him the ideal leader to guide this historic institution into its next chapter,” said Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado. “His commitment to fostering excellence truly resonates with our district’s mission.”

Allison Quijano Appointed Principal of Adams Elementary School

Allison Quijano is the next principal of Adams Elementary. Quijano replaces Kelly Fresh, who served in the role at Adams for the past eight years. 

She’s worked in SBUSD since 2019 as the Secondary English Instructional Support Specialist at the District Office. Quijano has taken leadership roles in several District-wide initiatives, including Ethnic Studies, Universal Access, professional learning, and the development of the Master Plan for Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs).

“I could not be more honored and proud to become the next principal of Adams. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to build on the foundation of a trusting, collaborative, and joyful school that the current Adams administration, staff and families have built,” said Quijano. “I intend to continue a long-term, and systematic approach to disrupting the predictable patterns of student achievement that we see in our schools. Though the work that we have done in secondary is powerful, we need to start earlier.”

Previously, she worked as an instructional coach in Arizona and taught high school English in Denver. She is the mother of former and current Adams Tigers.

“Allison Quijano’s dedication to equitable outcomes and her innovative work in supporting emergent multilingual learners and district-wide initiatives are precisely what Adams Elementary needs,” stated Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado. “Her passion for building strong, collaborative school communities and her commitment to fostering student success from an early age will undoubtedly make a profound impact.”

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – If you’re strolling along the streets of Santa Barbara, you may notice some of the city’s most iconic buildings lit up green for mental health awareness at night.

For one family, these green lights carry an extra special meaning.

“I’ve had a family member who has a mental health disorder. He has been in and out of hospital in and out of jail for various reasons,” said Tom Franklin of Santa Barbara.

Franklin is the President for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Santa Barbara County.

He’s also devoted to a loved one suffering from a life long case of schizophrenia, tied with alcohol abuse.

“You combine alcohol with a mental illness… and you get violence… and just very unreasonable behavior,” said Franklin.

Franklin sought help, without much luck at first.

“And for most of those 14 years, services have been very hit and miss,” said Franklin.

About a month ago, Franklin’s loved one tried to break into his home.

“Right around midnight I heard this big crash. There was a big picture window in the front of our house…and he had broken that window,” said Franklin.

Thanks to the Department of Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access Line, Franklin dialed it and got help right away. 

“Absolutely I was afraid for our safety… in fact, I told my wife to lock herself inside her bedroom,” said Franklin.

His loved one ended up assaulting an officer, and is currently in jail.

Officers of the Santa Barbara Police Department believes Franklin’s family is just one of hundreds affected by mental illness.

“We all know someone if it’s not us. It’s a family member a close friend so I think it touches everyone that touches the community, but also touches the families inside the department,” said chief Kelly Gordon of the Santa Barbara Police Department.

Franklin hopes everyone can turn awareness into action by seeking help for those struggling.

“We definitely have people that are suffering with mental illnesses. We have a lot of families that are suffering. We have a lot of program set up. We have a lot of resources that are out there,” said officer Tommy Diefenthaler of the Santa Barbara Police Department.

Mental health resources are available for people of all ages including kids throughout Santa Barbara County.

“And especially with young children are a Headstart children who were born during Covid times, there was a lot of milestones that were really not reached so we see that now… and we want the community to know that our services are in Spanish as well as English and we do have bicultural staff willing to meet clients and families wherever they’re at,” said clinical services director Nuvia Almanza of CommUnify.

As for Franklin, he is grateful for the local resources here in Santa Barbara County.

“My hope for the community is that they take advantage of the services offered by NAMI, the Mental Wellness Center and the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness … and don’t be afraid if you make a call, and don’t get a response, call again,” said Franklin.

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Alissa Orozco

PISMO BEACH, Calif. – A handful of beaches on the Central Coast are getting the recognition they deserve, and Pismo Beach reels in another big win!

After a just few months after being declared the Best Coastal Small Town, Pismo Beach was named #2 Best Beach in California by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

An iconic location on the Central Coast, Pismo Beach was praised for its laid-back California charm paired with its picturesque ocean views. It was beat out of the #1 spot by another Central Coast location, ‘Olol’koy Beach Park in Oxnard.

Nearby Butterfly Beach in Montecito also made the list at #8, known for its breathtaking views of the Santa Ynez mountains and vibrant marine life.

The top ten winners included:

1. ‘Olol’koy Beach Park (Oxnard Beach Park)

2. Pismo Beach

3. Huntington State Beach

4. Carlsbad State Beach

5. Ventura Beach

6. Crissy Beach

7. Malibu Lagoon State Beach

8. Butterfly Beach

9. Newport Municipal Beach

10. Santa Cruz Main Beach

“With so many incredible beach towns across California, we’re honored to consistently rank among the best,” said Gordon Jackson, Director of Tourism and Events for the Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. “We work hard to make Pismo Beach a truly unique destination that delivers that classic California coastal feeling people come looking for.”

You can view the complete list at USA Today.

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