Category: keyt-local-news

Jarrod Zinn

AVILA BEACH, Calif. (KEYT) – After a month of being closed and requiring detours, the Avila Beach Drive access ramps at Highway 101 are back open, along with a new roundabout.

The project is right on schedule.

Locals have been looking forward to the roundabout’s design and opening for a few years, and it has been an immediate success, not only for commuters but for cyclists and visitors to Avila Beach.

The Avila Beach access ramps at Highway 101 have been closed for the last month during the construction of a new roundabout, which opened Friday.

Popular attractions close to the interchange such as Avila Valley Barn, Avila Hot Springs, and the Bob Jones Trail, have reported minimal impacts to their businesses during the closure.

“We were right on schedule,” says Shelly Cone, public information officer for San Luis Obispo county’s Public Works department. “Very pleased that this came together within the 40 days that we projected and we had no delays with that.”

County representatives say they timed the closure for the construction of this roundabout with the specific intention of minimizing impacts on local businesses.

“We were trying to avoid the peak summer months and all of the events happening, even though we did catch the tail end of summer,” says Cone. “But we were also trying to avoid the rainy season, which could potentially cause delays.”

Designed for both its functionality and aesthetically pleasing appearance, the roundabout will be accompanied by a park-n-ride, which is expected to be finished in January.

Things went smooth this weekend,” says Cone. “We did have staff that drove through the area occasionally just to monitor things to see how they were going and they reported no issues. We didn’t receive any calls or reporting issues. And overall, the feedback that we’ve received about the opening has been positive.”

County officials expect the project to streamline access to Avila Beach, one of the Central Coast’s top attractions for locals as much as tourists.

If anyone needs tips for navigating the new roundabout, you can be linked to the county’s information page on the project by clicking here.

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Dave Alley

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. (KEYT) – Tyler Brewer has ended his candidacy for San Luis Obispo County District 4 Supervisor less than two weeks after entering the race.

Brewer is the owner of Arroyo Grande-based Family Paralegal Associates, a business that provides individuals, families, and small business owners with a wide range of legal document preparation services.

In a release over the weekend, Brewer stated, “After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the race for San Luis Obispo County Supervisor, District 4. This decision comes as I prepare for a relocation outside of the district. While my business will continue to operate in Arroyo Grande, and my heart will always remain here, I believe it is only fair that your Supervisor be someone who both lives in and represents the district full-time.”

In addition to announcing his withdrawal from the race, Brewer expressed his support for Adam Verdin, who is one of two candidates already in the running, including incumbent Jimmy Paulding.

“Adam is a lifelong member of our Central Coast community, a business owner, and someone who understands the challenges facing both working families and small businesses,” Brewer said in his statement. “I believe he will bring a fresh perspective, balanced leadership, and the kind of responsiveness that District 4 residents deserve.”

Brewer officially announced his candidacy on Sept. 15. and said he would prioritize fiscal responsibility, public safety, affordable housing, support for small businesses, and protecting the character of the Central Coast if elected.

While he is no longer a candidate for the District 4 seat, Brewer also mentioned he will continue to advocate for those who live in the district that represents Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Oceano, Huasna, Edna Valley, California Valley and other unincorporated portions of South San Luis Obispo County.

“Though I am stepping aside, my commitment to this community will not end,” Brewer said in his statement. “My business remains here, and I will continue working to support District 4 residents in every way I can. I encourage you to stay engaged, ask tough questions, and most importantly, make your voice heard at the ballot box.”

“Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being part of this important conversation about our future. I love this district, and I believe Adam Verdin is the right choice to lead us forward.”

According to the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Office, which handles elections, the end of the filing period is in December, so additional candidates may later enter the race.

A candidate will need to capture a majority of votes in June to win the election. If not, a runoff will take place during the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

Whoever wins the race will be sworn in early January 2027.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Santa Maria has approved funds continue construction on the long-planned Ranch Historical House Park.

The Santa Maria City Council recently approved $1,679,426 in funding to begin Phase III of the project, which features various site improvements, including grading, utilities, hardscape features, ADA accessible ramps, parking lot improvements, electrical infrastructure, and the construction of a trash enclosure and decorative entry monument.

The project entails the complete refurbishment of the historic Smith-Enos House, as well as the construction of the brand new Japanese Community Center.

Located along South College Drive across the street from Costco and behind the Enos Ranch Center, the planned recreational facilities have been in the works for many years.

“This project has been ongoing for about 15 years,” said Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Director Alex Posada. “The original phase of the project was to bring the house down to this location and to kind of create a park around it. About five years ago, the Japanese Community Center group brought forward a proposal to help fund the community center portion, which is now the replica barn at the back of the house.”

The Japanese Community Community Center will be a 10,000 square foot event center designed to hold community events, cultural and social gatherings, as well preserve and educate both residents and visitors on the pioneering history of the Japanese in the Santa Maria Valley, particularly the contributions of the Issei, the first generation immigrants.

The Issei played a significant role in establishing the agricultural history in the Santa Maria Valley.

“We came to the valley in the early 1900s and it’s just very important to me and to the club to preserve this history,” said Japanese Community Center board member Wes Koyama. “This is part of the way we’re going to preserve our history in the Valley. We actually started in Guadalupe, but came here to Santa Maria. And, a lot of us have migrated out of the area. Our group got together and and we thought, what is the best way to preserve the history of the Santa Maria Japanese in this valley? This deal came up through the city and it was just perfect. It’s a perfect opportunity to showcase what we’ve done and what we’ve accomplished and hopefully we can preserve this history for future generations to learn about what we’ve done here.”

Once completed, the renovated 150-year-old Smith-Enos House, will also serve as a new community gathering place.

“The house itself will be more for small groups,” said Posada. “Maybe for a committee meeting of 12 or 20 or something of that nature. There will also be some exhibit room set up to try to emulate what the house looked like when it was originally built.”

With the Phase III now secured, work will soon begin on the site work, bringing completion for both projects a little closer into focus.

“Hopefully by the end of the year, we’ll be seeing something completed,” Posada said about the Japanese Community Center. “The house is going to take a little bit longer. We’re going to be reaching out to the community again to help us raise the funds to get the interior completed.” 

While Phase III will complete the necessary work to open the Japanese Community Center, a future Phase IV is needed to finish the Smith-Enos House.

“The final phase of the project, we hope will be Phase IV, which will be fundraising for the interior of the house,” said Posada. “The community has been really great. We have scores of pieces of furniture that was donate that were donated for the house, and so we have plenty of furniture, but now we’re looking for the funding to complete the interior of the house. I would estimate that we’re probably looking at about a $250,000 price tag to finish the house in its interior.”

With funding for Phase IV still a ways off, an estimated time for completion and opening of the Smith-Enos House is still premature.

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John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Carpinteria is now on to it’s 61st year with some of the most challenging issues it has ever seen.

The anniversary of incorporation was September 28th. 

Tonight the State of the City address will be given at the Veterans’ Building at 5:30 p.m.

The city is taking on many big issues all at once, including an update to the General Plan.  

State mandated housing could bring new developments in many areas, including to the east of City Hall where the Tee Time golf facility is located and also in the foothills off Bailard Ave.

The community is still watching the progress of the proposed Surfliner Hotel project at the train station, which has had a vigorous community debate in its early stages. An environmental review is currently underay.

There is also a lawsuit over noise from the Island Brewing Company that is targeting the business and the City.

Also, questions are being raised about the amount of tourism and other vital forms of income are necessary for the city’s budget. Currently the leading source of income is sales tax.

At the same time, the new Linden Square food and retail area has opened on Linden Ave. where a vacant hardware store stood for years.

There is also a remodel planned for the landmark Palms restaurant building that will keep its facade and make other changes for a food and boutique hotel concept.

Anne Potts is a frequent visitor. She said, “we were walking from our motor home and asked a couple of people who live here and they recommended this (Linden Square) and the food was delicious.” Her husband Tom who drives them in at the wheel of a 38-foot motor home says, “No major parking fees and they invite the town in and it’s always a great place”

Linden Square is a concept resident Carl Braid says is working. “The overall feel of the community where multiple businesses are in small spaces,  shared spaces, I kind of like that concept, seems to be working well elsewhere.”

Looking ahead, former resident Kat Gondeck who comes in from Ventura said, “I don’t really know  exactly what is planned but so far what I see is gorgeous I love it. It’s still small.”

One of the newer regulars is Nanette Giordano who would like to tell city leaders, “don’t stop. I’m loving it! I love the downtown area it’s great! I never used to come to Carpinteria for lunch and now I am here every day.”

There are many residents worried about the loss of the iconic coastal mellow vibe. Gondeck said, “absolutely  not build it out too much.   Keep it small and just community feeling. It is a beach town and that’s what I like about it.”

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – For some, the last hours of life can be the loneliest.

“People who don’t have anybody either they’ve aged out of all their family and friends and there’s no one left to sit with them,” said volunteer Nancy McConnell of Hospice of Santa Barbara.

Volunteers in Santa Barbara are changing that.

The No One Dies Alone program trains people to sit with patients who have no family or friends nearby.

“If I can bring some compassionate caring, love and peace to people that are in one of their most times of their lives that feels like I’ve done some service to the world,” said McConnell.

They visit assisted living and memory care homes offering comfort, holding hands, or simply sitting quietly.

“There is so responsive when I suggest that this support is available to the family. I just make a call and they are here on the same day. That’s so reassuring to the families,” said community services director Luciana Mitzkun Weston of Villa Alamar.

NODA volunteers serve exclusively in assisted living and memory care facilities.

“It’s incredibly beneficial to have NODA volunteers, not only for the families for the residence and the patients themselves, but also for the staff of the facilities,” said volunteer services manager Elske Free Bernt of Hospice of Santa Barbara.

The program just renewed a partnership with Hospice of Santa Barbara.Organizers want to expand and reach more patients.

“Nobody knows about this. It’s very rare. They’re like wow this exists so if more people could take advantage of this program,” said McConnell.

Every hand held — every quiet presence — reminds someone they matter.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum hosted the ‘Girls In Ocean Science’ Conference over the weekend.

Orgianizers hope event inspires girls to study ocean science.

High school-aged girls got to go on board the Shearwater to explore the coast on Sunday, where they learned about the careers of biologists and crew members.

During their time off the coast between Santa Barbara and Goleta they participated in science labs.

They also saw dolphins.

Ann Steinmetz of the Steinmetz Foundation helps fund the event. She said the teens searched for sand crabs before their boat ride.

“They went out to the beach, took off their shoes, rolled up their pants, and they collected crabs. Oh, sand crabs. But the point of that was, ‘how can we assess the beach?’ And one of the ways to assess the beach is what animals are there,” said Steinmetz. “It’s really important that young people want to do this, want to get involved with it.”

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Education Director Lis Perry enjoys watching them learn and grow.

“For us, creating a pathway for these students to have a connection to explore these careers, I think, is what I find most important for the community and these students that get to participate,” said Perry.

Younger students took part in the program on Saturday.

The experience is connected to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

For. more information visit https://sbmm.org/girls-in-ocean-science-conference/

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Caleb Nguyen

LOS ALAMOS, Calif. (KEYT) – A woman and child needed transport to Marian Regional Medical Center after a rollover crash just after 6:00 p.m. Saturday on Highway 101 in Los Alamos, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The crash occurred just north of Alisos Canyon, where the car left the highway, rolled into a culvert along a barbed wire fence, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Both people in the car, including the 4-year-old without a car seat, had minor injuries from the crash, according to the SBCFD.

The cause of the crash is under investigation and Highway 101 remains open, according to the SBCFD.

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Caleb Nguyen

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 24-year-old Santa Maria man for firing gunshots just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

SLOCSO deputies located the suspect’s car near the 400 block of Indian Knob Road and found both a gun and shell casings after the detained 24-year-old didn’t cooperate.

SLOCSO deputies then booked and arrested the 24-year-old for resisting or delaying a peace officer, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, and carrying a loaded firearm in public.

SLOCSO deputies secured the area and reported no injuries from the incident nor any threat to public safety.

The case remains under investigation, according to the SLOCSO.

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Caleb Nguyen

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) – Oxnard Police arrested a 25-year-old man for multiple firearm offenses at a traffic stop in Oxnard around 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

OPD officers found ammunition in the man’s car during the stop and searched the vehicle.

OPD officers later found a loaded gun inside the car and arrested the man for the multiple aforementioned charges.

Those with additional information on the case or other crimes are encouraged to call the OPD or visit its website.

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Caleb Nguyen

ATASCADERO, Calif. (KEYT) – A motorcyclist died in a car crash Saturday just before 7:30 p.m. near the 8300 block of El Camino Real in Atascadero, according to the Atascadero Police Department.

The motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries from the crash. Four other people from the car involved in the crash received medical treatment from Twin Cities Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, according to the APD.

The roadway was closed for some time for further investigation into the crash, according to the APD.

Witnesses to the crash or those with information on the incident are encouraged to contact the APD.

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