Category: keyt-local-news

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Santa Barbara regarding construction beginning for the Dwight Murphy Field Renovation Project scheduled to begin June 2nd.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department will begin construction on the long-awaited Dwight Murphy Field Renovation Project on June 2. The renovation will transform the 100-year-old park into a modern, inclusive recreation space designed to serve a broad range of users.

The renovated park will feature Santa Barbara’s first all-abilities playground, created in partnership with the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. Gwendolyn’s Playground will include a multi-story treehouse, hill slides, inclusive swings, musical play elements, and a calming pod.

A new multi-sport field, sized to accommodate youth and adult soccer, rugby, and lacrosse, will feature defined areas on the sidelines for players and spectators, as well as improved sports lighting.

Additional park improvements include an expanded outdoor fitness area, a large grass lawn for drop-in activities and picnics, a shaded group picnic area, updated restrooms, new walking paths with lighting, and increased parking.

“This renovation honors the legacy of Dwight Murphy Field while creating a space that reflects the needs of our community today,” said Jill Zachary, Parks and Recreation Director. “From the all-abilities playground to the new sports field and picnic areas, we’re building a park that welcomes everyone.”

The City selected Ohno Construction, a firm with over 50 years of experience building parks and community spaces, to lead construction. Fencing will be installed starting May 30, with construction beginning the following week. The park is expected to reopen in spring 2027.

There will be no access within or through the park during construction. Niños Drive will be open from Cabrillo Boulevard to the Santa Barbara Zoo, and Por La Mar will be open adjacent to the park. All other surrounding roads will remain open. Parking will be limited along the perimeter of the park during construction.

Funding for project construction includes $6 million raised by the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, a $5 million pledge from Ty Warner, $1.5 million of federal Community Project Funding (CPF) secured by Congressman Salud Carbajal, and $19.5 million in City funds.

Visit the city’s website for more information.

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Alissa Orozco

Summer is right around the corner, and Central Coast is taking full advantage of the warmer weather! You should join in. Here’s what’s going on this weekend near and far:

SANTA BARBARA – SOUTH COUNTY

Photo: Old Spanish Days

Jack White “No Name” Tour ~ Thursday, May 15th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Bowl

⏰ 7:00pm

🪩 The Santa Barbara Bowl is starting off the summer right with their summer concert series. Former White Stripes musician, Jack White, is the taking the stage this weekend, with special guests Pancho and the Wizards! Learn more here.

La Primavera 2025 ~ Saturday, May 17th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum

⏰ 5:30pm – 10:00pm

🪩 Join Old Spanish Days as this year’s El Presidente, Fritz Olenberger, unveils the 2025 Fiesta poster and pin! Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta will do their first dances of the year as guests enjoy dinner. This event officially kicks off the Fiesta season, so don’t miss out! Learn more here.

Fix-it Fair ~ Saturday, May 17th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Public Library

⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 Reuse and repair your old clothing, jewelry, bikes and more at this fix-it fair! Local volunteers will be available for repairs for your broken or worn items. Learn about refillable bulk products from Sunkissed Pantry, swap plants with Idyll Mercantile, and participate in a community dye bath. Learn more here.

Bonsai Exhibition ~ May 17th – 18th in Montecito

📍Montecito Union School District

⏰ 10:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 Come view centuries old, skillfully crafted bonsai trees on display this weekend. Take home your own bonsai tree or bring in your own to the bonsai clinic! Sign up for the perfect beginner package – $20 for a tree, a class and a half year membership to the club! Learn more here.

The Good Good Show ~ Saturday, May 17th in Santa Barbara

📍Night Lizard Brewing Co.

⏰ 7:30pm

🪩 It’s time for another Good Good Show! This stand-up comedy show features the hottest comedians working today that you’ve seen or heard on Comedy Central, America’s Got Talent, Netflix, Jimmy Kimmel, and more. The lineup this week includes Brian Jacobovitz, Shane Bianchi, Aparna Nancherla, and Julie Wedmann. Learn more here.

Ellwood Mesa 20th Anniversary ~ Saturday, May 17th in Goleta

📍Ellwood Mesa Sperling Open Space

⏰ 11:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 It’s been 20 years since the community came together to help save the Ellwood Mesa. The space is now an environmental sanctuary for monarch butterflies, native wildlife, and all who love to explore the trails. Join in on this family, friendly event with activities, music, history, and more. Learn more here.

Bird Fest! ~ Saturday, May 17th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Botanical Garden

⏰ 10:30am – 12:30pm

🪩 Birds are the center of attention this weekend at the botanical garden! Grab your binoculars and go on a bird safari to see the native birds in our area, and learn to make a natural bird feeder! This event is free with admission. Learn more here.

Buellton Family Wellness Day ~ Saturday, May 17th in Buellton

📍151 Sycamore Dr

⏰ 11:00am – 3:00pm

🪩 This is a great opportunity for the whole family to learn about overall wellness. There will be free workshops and booths to learn more. Free food, raffle items, t-shirts, and handouts will be given to attendees. Learn more here.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Photo: City of Paso Robles

Blueberry Festival at SLO Ranch ~ Saturday, May 17th in San Luis Obispo

📍SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace

⏰ 11:00am

🪩 Join SLO Ranch Farms at their first ever Blueberry Festival! The outdoor marketplace will host an all-day event with live music, a petting zoo, line dancing, local vendors, and of course – blueberry-themed specials. Break out your cowboy boots and come party at the ranch. Learn more here.

Toy-Anime-Comic Con ~ May 17th – 18th in San Luis Obispo

📍San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge

⏰ 11:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 This local convention is heaven for any collector or anime/superhero fan. You can find collectable cards and comics, and come dressed in your best cosplay for a chance to win some prizes. Voice actress Lia Sargent will be attendance to meet with fans! Learn more here.

Central Coast Jewish Heritage Festival ~ Sunday, May 18th in San Luis Obispo

📍Mitchell Park

⏰ 12:00pm – 3:00pm

🪩 This celebration of Jewish heritage will take place this weekend, and attendees can expect to see efforts from over 20 organizations. Enjoy kosher food trucks, local artisans, and much more. The family can practice their Hebrew at their speaking booth and making their own pickles! Learn more here.

Paso Wine Fest ~ May 15th – 18th in Paso Robles

📍Check Event Calendar for Locations

⏰ Check Event Calendar for Times

🪩 What a better place to enjoy fine wineries, than the notable Paso Robles Wine Country. Get immersed in the world of wine with dinners, seminars, and food and wine tastings. Tastings featuring 100+ wineries, you don’t want to miss this once-a-year experience. Learn more here.

Public Works Night at the SLO Farmers’ Market ~ Thursday, May 15th in San Luis Obispo

📍Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market

⏰ 6:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 Various law enforcement officers and departments will be at this week’s farmer’s market. The public can ask officers questions, engage in interactive demonstrations, test out equipment and vehicles, and more! Learn more here.

Grover Beach Bike Parade ~ Saturday, May 17th in Grover Beach

📍Grover Beach City Hall

⏰ 10:30am – 12:30pm

🪩 As part of National Bike Month, Grover Beach is hosting a bike parade, encouraging folks to dust off the old bikes! All ages are welcome for a fun, and easy ride through the city of Grover Beach. The ride will end at Sixteenth Street Park, right in time for the Strawberry Festival! Learn more here.

Strawberries Through Grover Beach Festival ~ Saturday, May 17th in Grover Beach

📍Sixteenth Street Park

⏰ 11:00am – 6:00pm

🪩 This local festival centers around the Central Coast’s most stand out crops! Local vendors will be selling strawberry-themed foods and treats, and a lineup of other food trucks is also scheduled. Live music will play all day from an array of artists and genres! Learn more here.

VENTURA COUNTY

Pollinator Palooza ~ Saturday, May 17th in Ventura

📍 Barranca Vista Park

⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm

🪩 This is a great free event where the whole family can learn about all kinds of pollinators including, bees, butterflies, and more. Meet with environmental experts about the importance of pollinators and how to keep them flourishing. Learn more here.

California Strawberry Festival ~ May 17th – 18th in Ventura

📍Ventura County Fairgrounds

⏰ 10:00am – 6:30pm

🪩 This community favorite festival is one you won’t want to miss. The California Strawberry Festival is head right in our backyards and brings vendors, families, and organizations from all over the state! Dig into strawberry-themed treats, view arts & crafts, enjoy live entertainment, and so much more. Learn more here.

Silent Reading with Cats ~ Saturday, May 17th in Ventura

📍Cassie’s Cats

⏰ 6:30pm – 7:30pm

🪩 Truly nothing better than a good book and kitty cat by your side. Cassie’s Cats is hosting an evening of silent reading where guests can relax with a good book surrounded by cats! Check in just before 6:30pm, silent reading from 6:30-7pm, and mingling time from 7-7:30pm. Learn more here.

Rebozo Festival ~ Sunday, May 18th in Camarillo

📍Camarillo Ranch

⏰ 11:00am – 5:00pm

🪩 This annual event acts as both a fundraising event and a celebration of Mexican culture. The colorful Mexican shawl (rebozo) acts as the theme, and the event hosts Ventura County non-profit organizations. The festival will have a rebozo fashion show, silent auctions, unique gifts at “La Tiendita”, Mariachi, and more. Learn more here.

May Flowers Harvest Market ~ Sunday, May 18th in Santa Paula

📍 McKevett Park

⏰ 11:00 – 4:00pm

🪩 April Showers brought in the May Flowers! Over 40 vendors will be at McKevett Park selling flowers for guests to take home this Spring. Guests can also look forward to food trucks and fun activities. Learn more here.

Tall Ship Mystic Whaler Visit ~ May 15th – May 27th in Ventura

📍 Ventura Harbor

⏰ Check for tour times

🪩 Come abroad the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler for a trip around the dock! This 83-foot ship is truly a sight to see. Climb aboard to meet the crew, learn the ropes of schooner life, Hear captivating sea stories and discover how the Mystic Whaler keeps maritime traditions alive. Learn more here.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

It was a pleasant couple of days with warmer conditions through out the Central Coast. As we head into our Friday, a cooling trend is set to arrive as low pressure builds in. Onshore flow is expected to strengthen as well, so partly cloudy to mostly cloudy conditions are expected. There is low visibility concerns for the Friday morning commute. Along the coastline, especially dense marine layer is expected so be sure to keep those low beam lights on.

By Friday afternoon, mostly clear skies depending on your micro climate will return and it will be a day of hot in the sun and cold in the shade. Sundowner winds will pick up once again Friday evening, however no wind alerts have been issued. The forecast for the rest of the week will be very dependent on microclimate, as the interior is expected to have temperatures in the 80s and mostly sunny skies. Temperatures on Friday will be in the 60s and 70s.

 Saturday will be the peak day for the cooling trend with temperatures dropping a couple of degrees. During this time, temperatures will be 5-15 degrees below average. The marine layer may be dense enough to produce some mist and drizzle for Saturday, however, partly cloudy conditions are expected for the inland areas, but have a higher chance of clear skies. Prepare for a cooler weekend and possibly a wet weekend. By Sunday, numbers slowly rise and we prepare for a warming trend beginning Monday. Sunshine and warmer temperatures are headed to the region. By next week, the inland areas will reach close to 90 degrees as we enter a mini heat wave.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Valley has long been known for its equestrian roots. 

But today, local ranches struggle to stay afloat. 

Arabian horses are one of the oldest breeds in the world of horses.

For thousands of years, they have has excelled in grace, agility and speed.   

“There’s something special about Arabian horses. They’re intelligent, they’re kind, they’re incredibly aware of their environments. They are nurtured to be so, they had to live with their masters in the desert,” said Arabian specialist, Scott Benjamin of Australia.

Janina Merz raises Arabian horses at Om El Arab in Santa Ynez Valley. 

This season, she’s making sure the next generation is born.

“It’s a very important time. It’s the time where we get the next generation of horses… like this mare right here is six generations of our breeding… so she goes back all the way to our foundation that my parents bought in 1970,” said Merz.

One of her Arabian horses is four days old – already showing potential to, one day, become a show horse.

“I don’t know if you guys know this, but foals aren’t born… they don’t come out friendly. You have to do things with them every day so that they get used to people,” said Merz.

Over the years, Om el Arabians has raised hundreds of international champion horses, and is one of the most respected.

“This has become very much a Mecca now here at Om El, which is one of the last remaining icons of the Arabian horse industry here in the valley,” said Benjamin.

It’s an industry where Santa Ynez Valley once dominated. Once one of the largest horse breeding regions in the world, with a population of more than 20,000 horses.

But as time passed, that momentum took a turn. 

“In the 80s, the horse business was very diverse, very large. There were a lot of people in it… in the Santa Ynez here, about 200 Arabian breeding farms. Today, 40 years later, there’s less than a dozen,” said horse rancher Bob Sweeney of Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Riding.

Horse ranchers believe the downturn is due, in part, to a series of recessions and the overall cost of doing business.

“The cost of horse ownership went up… land went up. People lost their way during the recession… they lost their homes… they lost their cars… they lost business,” said Sweeney.

Foaling season begins early in the year, as mares end their long 11-month gestation, when their new babies hit the ground. 

Now, more than ever, the arrival of a new foal is a highly anticipated event, often involving 24-hour video surveillance cameras, sleepless nights for owners, and eventually, a beautiful, bouncing baby!

“When the babies are born everybody gathers to see what we have… it’s a very exciting time, often times we get a late night text… ‘My mare! She’s going to foal tonight!’ Everybody shows up in the morning to see the baby… it’s really fun,” said Sweeney.

“He’s doing very good. He’s got a really wonderful mommy. I think she has had maybe six or seven foals already… so he’s got a good mama,” said Merz.

Horse breeders at Om el Arab are projecting at least 30 foals this season.

“They’re not very many breeding farms, especially in the western part of the world. It’s an important thing to do because if we all stop breeding, then the breed will die,” said Merz.

As horse breeding expanded to other nations, Om El Arab is now among the longest tenured local breeders, and widely considered one of the most prolific Arabian horse breeders in the world. 

Every year, the prestigious ranch has horse enthusiasts visiting just to see these intuitive animals up close and personal.

“To be in a valley that is so horse friendly and just all about community it’s just incredible,” said horse rancher Kylee Parks of Moonshire Manor.

“As human beings, horses are incredibly social animals and there’s a special understanding that we share … that makes that bond so indescribably wonderful,” said Benjamin.

Despite today’s challenges, these majestic creatures seem determined to keep showing off their strength, not in muscle, but in heart.

“Because horses and humans will always share a special bond together, and they will always have a place together in our civilization,” said Benjamin.

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Jarrod Zinn

ORCUTT, Calif. – A newly constructed shopping plaza in Orcutt held a grand opening for its first store today.

The community was excited to welcome a new grocery store.

Residents have been watching the construction and patiently bearing the traffic delays on clark avenue in Orcutt, in anticipation of this morning’s grand opening of the new Grocery Outlet Bargain Market.

Store owner Bryan Lutz moved to Santa Maria with his family to run the new Grocery Outlet in Orcutt, having completed the majority of his training and experience in Sacramento.

“I think we have really amazing value that we can offer to Orcutt. And I also as an owner, love to get involved in the community and help out wherever I can. I’m very passionate about sports and education,” says Bryan Lutz, Orcutt Grocery Outlet’s owner.

Locals say Grocery Outlet’s 40-70 percent discount on name brand items is a warmly welcomed addition to Orcutt, especially during times of inflation and other economic uncertainties.

“It’s a lot bigger than the one we have out in Santa Maria, so I’m kind of interested in what they’ve got in there. And how it looks,” says Santa Maria resident Eddie Rogers.

The warm welcome for the store was reflected in a surprisingly large turnout at 8 Thursday morning, and the line was only about halfway through when the first 100 customer gift cards ran out.

“We’ve only been here since 6 a.m. I know other people have been here a lot longer, but we were really excited to get down here as soon as possible,” says Orcutt resident Janelle Kemlo.

“I was here since 2:00 this morning. Cold,” says Rogers.

“This blew me away. I knew we had excitement. I just… this is incredible,” says Lutz.

Conveniently located just off the freeway on Clark, this newly constructed plaza will host a few more businesses, though just what they’ll be remains undetermined.

With a gas station as the strongest possibility, a fast food restaurant is also a strong candidate, and some locals mentioned they’d like to see something different like a music store such as Guitar Center.

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John Palminteri

BUELLTON, Calif. – This weekend walkers can take a step in the right direction to raise money for mental wellness in Santa Barbara County.

The fundraiser called, Peace of Mind – 10,000 steps in the Right Direction, is the 6th annual walk through the Alma Rosa vineyard, just outside of Buellton.

Debra Eagle is the former General Manager at Alma Rosa Winery and she has come back to coordinate this event. “The winery proprietors, Bob and Barb Zorich, have been longtime advocates of mental health, research and treatments.  All proceeds, every registration fee, every donation, 100% goes to the two foundations. We’re supporting, mental wellness center here in Santa Barbara and One Mind, which funds research.”

Annmarie Cameron, CEO of the Santa Barbara Mental Wellness Center said, “it’s really an expression of starting conversations about mental health. And so when people come together and they go for the walk through the winery, they get, the feeling of helping others, they help themselves”

The walkers will be on a route through the winery for about four miles. It goes through the vineyards at different elevations. Some are not normally open for the public. Eagle said, “these fabulous vantage points that look out over the valley that aren’t normally seen. If they’re driving through the Santa Rita hills, they’re down on the road.”

This special walk began in 2019 and hundreds have taken part in the effort to support the programs funded by the benefit event.

All the money raised will go to the Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara and related programs to assist in mental health through the One Mind organization. This year marks a big milestone, as the winery is aiming to surpass $1 million. Cameron said, “we’re so blessed to have the lead sponsor on the  Alma Rosa Winery match donations. Dollar for dollar, up to $75,000. And with the local corporate sponsors that have come to help us, we’re only about $5,000 short of our match. “

This is all in line with May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

“We are a safety net. We provide support to adults, to their families. We reach into the schools and educate youth, and we provide a lot of housing in the community, ” said Cameron.

Many on the walk have a personal connection. ” I would say probably a majority have someone in their lives who may suffer from more of your everyday anxiety, depression issues, which were very big, during the pandemic and shortly afterwards to people who have, family members who have very serious conditions.”

The walk begins at 9:00am and ends about noon with a reception involving wine and snacks. Additional wineries in the area are also pouring at this event. Live music will be provided by Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, local legends in guitar, blues and harmonica songs.

The event is supported by several regional wine makers.

For more information go to: Alma Rosa Winery

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Mike Klan

VENTURA, Calif. – Troy Hill is going back to school as he returns to St. Bonaventure High School.

The Seraphs alum has been named head football coach as he takes over for Joe Goyeneche who resigned last week.

Hill played for the 2008 Seraphs state championship team and the defensive back is a 2010 St. Bonaventure High School graduate.

He played college at Oregon and had a successful 10-year career in the NFL.

Hill played for five NFL teams including the Los Angeles Rams.

He played in Super Bowl LIII with the Rams.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – An after school program held a talent show.

The A-OK Performing Arts Showcase took place in the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens.

Children ages 4 to 12 took part.

They danced, they sang, and played instruments.

The friends and families sat on the lawn near the stage and enjoyed the show.

They also had a chance to dine at a food truck parked nearby.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – In the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, insurance rates are going up.

California just approved State Farm’s 17 percent temporary increase on home insurance premiums.

The rate hike will begin in June and impact about a million customers.

But, it is lower than the 21.8 percent increase State Farm had requested.

California’s Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara adopted the plan Tuesday, following a judge’s ruling on Monday.

He also approved a cash infusion to help the State Farm stay afloat in the state.

It being called an emergency rate increase request following the Eaton and Palisades Fires that destroyed or damaged more than 17,000 homes, businesses and structures in January.

Realtor Steve Epstein of Epstein Partners said rate increases are already impacting real estate transactions in Santa Barbara County.

“I can tell you where it has really hurt people is up in the foothills, once you get into the high fire or extreme wildland fire, once you get by Botanic Gardens or Mission Canyon, upper Mission Canyon Heights or those areas the insurance expenses are crazy.” said Epstein. “We had a listing on Painted Cave, the initial quote was a 100 grand a year.”

Other insurance companies are likely raise rates too.

Many including AAA, Mercury have already filed applications to have surcharges approved by the state.

Tim Baxter of Baxter Insurance Agency in Santa Barbara has been talking to his clients about it.

“For every dollar in premium they are paying more than a dollar out in claims and until that can return to an equilibrium I expect to see rate hikes,” said Baxter.

Mission Canyon homeowner Matthew Nirenberg recalled being close to the Zaca Fire.

Nirenberg is working with the Calfornia Fair Plan that provides insurance options.

You can find more information at https:///insurance.ca.gov

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It will be an all-local CIF-Southern Section Division 3 boys tennis championship match between San Marcos and Cate.

San Marcos won at La Canada 12-6 while Cate beat Long Beach Poly 12-6 in semifinal matches.

The finals are scheduled for Friday and the CIF-SS may move it to a local location instead of Redlands.

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