Category: keyt-local-news

Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The City of Santa Barbara has identified at least 40 violations that led to the red-tagging of La Casa de la Raza on Anacapa Street.

City officials delivered the Notice of Violation to La Casa Founders Holding Company on Wednesday afternoon. The document outlines numerous issues, including fire safety, building integrity, electrical system deficiencies, and noncompliance with accessibility standards.

According to the city’s Code Enforcement Division, inspectors discovered illegal occupancy of areas not approved for residential or assembly use, blocked or improperly marked exits, unpermitted construction, and hazardous electrical installations. Exposed wiring, obstructed exit routes, and a lack of required fire suppression systems were also documented.

In addition, the facility failed to meet accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Restrooms and access points lacked necessary features, and combustible materials were improperly stored near mechanical rooms and electrical panels—violating fire safety regulations.

The notice states that further violations may exist, as not all areas of the building were accessible during the inspection on Wednesday, May 7. The city deemed the facility “unsafe” and red-tagged the building that same day.

La Casa de la Raza has long served as a cultural and community resource for Latino residents in Santa Barbara. The historic site has stood for over 200 years and has been a central hub for local activism.

Following the red-tagging, several community groups have been forced to relocate. Alma de Mexico, a dance group formerly rehearsing at La Casa, is now practicing at Ortega Park.

The property is owned by La Casa Founders Holding Company, formed after the original nonprofit, Casa de la Raza, faced mounting debt and foreclosure.

“It is very complicated, even within the bankruptcy world,” said Lisa Valencia Sherratt, board president of the original La Casa de la Raza founded in the 1970s. “I understand from our counsel that we have many unique situations. The nonprofit, the original La Casa de la Raza, is in an involuntary bankruptcy with an associated case. That case went to mediation, and the result is that the building will be sold and have new ownership.”

La Casa Founders have until June 13 to submit a building permit application with detailed plans to correct the violations. Failure to meet the deadline could result in a $100 citation per violation.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Several local high schools won CIF-Central Section titles in the past week in various sports while others were runner-up. All photos courtesy CIF-CS.

St. Joseph boys tennis are Division II Champions after beating Bullard 8-1 in title.

Atascadero boys tennis was runner-up in Division III losing to Fresno Christian 7-0.

Mission Prep boys golf wins the Division III crown.

Santa Ynez finished runner-up to Mission Prep in Division III.

Templeton boys golf (404) was runner-up in Division II to Bakersfield Christian (404).

Jonas Smith of Morro Bay was the Medalist shooting a 70.

Arroyo Grande girls beach volleyball wins the championship over Bakersfield Christian 2-1.

Atascadero girls swimming wins Division II championship.

Atascadero boys swimming is runner-up in Division II to Redwood.

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Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Community members spoke at Santa Barbara City Hall Tuesday— to speak out against what they say was a “sudden” closure of the historic Casa de la Raza building on Friday. The Casa de la Raza building has been an important hub for the Chicano community for decades. Its closure is sparking some intense emotions.  The building has been operating as a safe space for migrant families seeking resources. It’s held numerous cultural events, fundraisers, and more over the years. But the city says an inspection on May 7th found multiple code violations, including issues with the building’s gas, electrical, entryways and signage. The city says the inspection came ahead of a potential bankruptcy auction. Folks we spoke with Tuesday say they are unhappy with the timing of this sudden closure, which comes on the heels of a trying time for Santa Barbara’s immigrant community in light of what’s happening with ICE deportations.

“What has changed in the last X amount of months that would have them to come in here and say there’s violations? To condemn a Latino historical facility, the only one of its kind in the city of Santa Barbara, which again, will affect hundreds of people that don’t feel comfortable nor feel safe to go anywhere else for help,” said Gerardo Jerry Menchaca, who lives in Santa Barbara.

“There are people right now that are calling our phone lines wondering, you know, ‘can I still come in?’ or ‘is there somebody that’s going to still help me get diapers for my kids because I’m too scared to go out of my home?’ So it’s really sadness more than it is fear,” said Casa de la Raza Director Jacqueline Inda.

City Administrator Kelly McAdoo says the private property owner is responsible for repairs. A city spokesperson told your News Channel documentation of the violations will be served to the property owner Tuesday, and the notice will become public record. The building is currently owned by the La Casa Founders Holding Company, which we’re told is a separate entity from the original La Casa de la Raza non-profit, but goes by the same name. The owners have about a month to make repairs, but until then the building will be closed.  Casa de la Raza Director Jacqueline Inda says she hopes the city can purchase the building so that the organization can continue to help the community safely. 

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Andie Lopez Bornet

Winds have died down Wednesday and brought mostly clear skies through the region. Thursday will be the warmest day of the rest of the work week, before a cooling trend arrives on Friday. First Alert Weather is tracking a very weak trough of low pressure that will make its way to the Central Coast and LA areas. Onshore Flow strengthens on Thursday as well, so it expect some gloomy and cooler temperatures as we head into our late Thursday evening, when temperatures drop.

Winds are expected to stay on the calmer side for the next couple of days with occasional sundowner breezes depending on your microclimate. Temperatures on Thursday will be in the high 60s close to 70s and for the inland areas, temperatures will be in the 80s, Thursday will definitely be one of the days where it’s warm in the sun and cold in the shade, so keep a light jacket handy.

By Friday, the cooling trend deepens and mostly cloudy skies are expected. There is a small chance of afternoon clear skies closer to the coasts, but models are showing a small chance currently. Saturday will be the coldest day of the cooling trend. With the trough and onshore flow, the marine layer is expected to be dense enough to produce light mist and drizzle. Plan for gloomy and wet conditions on Saturday.

Through the weekend, temperatures will be 5-15 degrees below average for this time of year. As we head into our work week next week, we’re tracking a warming trend that will last a few days.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – After years of preparation, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) recently opened its long-planned new North County headquarters in Santa Maria.

“This is a landmark for the Air Pollution Control District,” said Aeron Arlin Genet, APCD Executive Direction/Air Pollution Control Officer. “We’ve been working out of Santa Maria, but not in our own building and this establishes a strong foothold for us in the community, for our staff, for the sources that we regulate and for the general public that we serve.”

The sleek modern-looking two-story building is located on West McCoy Lane and replaces a much smaller office the agency occupied that was located in the downtown area close to the Santa Maria Town Center mall.

“We have great space to conduct meetings, workshops, organize with other non-profit organizations to hold functions here at our facility,” said Arlin Genet. “In addition to housing our staff and our office needs, we also have a lab so we can work with our monitoring and our enforcement equipment to ensure that they’re all in proper working functions, so we can then enable them out into the field.”

APCD purchased the building in 2021, and according to an agency release, remodeled with it sustainable concepts in mind that include, metal-insulated siding and roofing panels to provide a highly insulated building; dual-glazed windows that reflect heat and provide an improved weather seal, heat pumps for heating and cooling, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 13 filters for clean indoor air quality and Clean Air Center capability, thermostats in each room to minimize energy use, skylights to increase natural light; and high-efficiency LED lighting throughout.

“This building was a significant investment for the air district,” said Arlin Genet. “We were able to invest not only for the district itself, but for our staff, but more importantly for the community that we serve. We want to be local. We want to be present. We want to be top of the mind. When you have air quality questions or concerns, you know where we are and you can come in and talk to us in person or online. We have online resources available at ourair.org.”

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The oil industry has shaped Santa Barbara county’s history, but it’s not likely to be a big part of it’s future.

County supervisors voted to move away from fossil fuels. 

At the end of the day, the Board of Supervisors are adopting resolutions to phase out any remaining oil and gas production projects, and to ban applications for any future projects onshore.

It’s been estimated that a rapid, planned phasing out of oil and gas production can save Santa Barbara county 100 million dollars by the year 2045.

“Do we want to be investing in jobs related to clean economy or ones that in a dwindling oil and gas economy?” says Laura Capps, Santa Barbara County Supervisor.

A report from UCSB says a project to phase out current infrastructure would create jobs, as the lengthy process requires the same skill set as operation.

“People are very attached either trying to transition away from it or trying to make sure that it stays here. So I it’s a very hot topic. And we had a good debate on really the future of this county. And do we want to be investing in jobs related to clean economy or ones that in a dwindling oil and gas economy where there’s really just about 100 jobs in the oil and gas industry now?” says Capps.

County supervisors voted 3-1 in favor of the resolution phasing out oil production on Tuesday.

Supervisor Bob Nelson cast the sole “no” vote.

“Probably the most disappointing day that I’ve ever had at County Board of Supervisors. It was a complete snow job where a county staff member and department worked with environmental nonprofits to actively work on destroying an important industry in our county,” says Supervisor Nelson.

He says his district is composed of a significant number of families who depend on work from the fossil fuel industry, and that they want him to fight for their jobs.

“I see this as really political theater, just like the Sable Pipeline. Actions that have been advocated by those in the environmental nonprofits in our county. You know, they’ve tried to drag the county into lawsuits which have cost us time and money where we had really no say in whether the pipeline starts again. This is the same thing here,” says Nelson. 

Board chair Laura Capps says the transition away from outdated fossil fuel technology is fiscally prudent and essential, a step that will protect the well being of generations.

Supervisor Nelson acknowledges a future of clean energy does make sense, but that the fossil fuel industry can be part of the solution, not just seen as the problem.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – That college degree earned a few years ago and the thought of making around $100,000 a year someday soon may not be enough in Santa Barbara County.

A new report says a single person making $98,850 in Santa Barbara County is still considered low income.

In the Bay area – Marin, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Francisco counties that figure is $100,000.This comes at a time when social service and non-profit groups serving those living on the edge say their numbers are growing and the demand is not going down.

The data comes from the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Some of these figures are used to determine housing programs and funding plans to offset the costs, for example, for first time home buyers and certain loans or other financial assistance.

Both San Diego and Orange Counties have had changes similar to Santa Barbara County.

The high cost of housing is believed to be a key factor in the calculations.  A single person making six-figures could be above the median income of the area, but because of the lofty prices for housing, they fall into a low income range. Checking on several sites including Zillow, the average price of a home is around $1.8 million in Santa Barbara  and about $650 thousand in Santa Maria.

“This is one of the more expensive places on the planet. So in a way, it’s a choice that’s involved there,” said Jay McGrath in downtown Wednesday. “You’ve got to factor it in when you’re young, especially. You sort of figure it’s going to be hard going for a while? “

To get beyond the new level described as low income, it will take a higher paying  job  or multiple jobs at once.

Cristian Arambula said, “Yes. Two jobs and like five side quest and, some overtime. Yeah. Everyone’s kind of doing what they can. The side hustle is real. Yeah, absolutely. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash. You can do some production stuff. I work with livestock. I do massage now. I just came from a modeling gig.”

Connor Winship said,  “you know, prices of food have definitely increased .”  He also says he leaves his car behind to save some money.  “I am lucky to drive to work if I want to. I could bike to work if I want to.  I haven’t been too impacted personally”

The economics of living in these times have many residents stretching out their working years.

McGrath said, “I do, and I see more people who are retired who are not really retiring. They’re working past retirement. They’re getting both their benefits, and then they go out and get a side gig.”

More information can be found at: California Department of Housing and Community Development 

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Alissa Orozco

GOLETA, Calif. – The City of Goleta announced today that the Goleta Police Department will be holding a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location on Friday, May 16th from 6:00pm – 2:00am. Officers will be looking for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The city says checkpoint locations are chosen on past history of DUI crashes and arrests.

The Police Department reminds the community of the dangers of driving impaired – not just from alcohol. While the use of medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of it is not. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also interfere with driving. Anyone ingesting and smoking anything that can affect their ability to drive, should stay home.

The police department says drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

For more information, visit the city’s website.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Alma de Mexico is now practicing at Ortega Park after being displaced from their usual rehearsal space at La Casa de la Raza.

The city of Santa Barbara placed a red “unsafe” tag on the historic building last week, citing gas, electrical, entryway, and signage issues.

“We are trying to get ready for Old Spanish Days. The practice doesn’t stop, we have to keep going,” said instructor Jennifer Sanchez. “I have to provide classes for up to 45 girls. I’m teaching the next generation. Cultural preservation is the most important thing for this community, so I’m a strong advocate for that. Even if the building is closed, we have to keep going.”

Ballet folklórico is not the only class affected by the closure. A popular Zumba class is also expected to move to the park. Local bands that practiced at La Casa are also in need of new rehearsal spaces.

However, music rehearsals had previously led to noise complaints from a neighbor living in the condos across the street.

Other events, such as a recent Mother’s Day brunch, have relocated to Café La Fonda, not far from the Federal U.S. Bankruptcy Court, where La Casa de la Raza’s future is now being decided.

“It is very complicated, even within the bankruptcy world,” said Lisa Valencia Sherratt, Board President of the original La Casa de la Raza founded in the 1970s. “I understand from our counsel that we have many unique situations. The nonprofit, the original La Casa de la Raza, is in an involuntary bankruptcy with an associated case. That case went to mediation, and the result is that the building will be sold and have new ownership.”

The building, constructed in 1917, is considered a local landmark.

“La Casa de la Raza is actually listed in the conditional use permit. It started as a community center, and from what I understand, whoever buys it will have to continue using it as a community center,” said Valencia Sherratt.

The timing of the sale depends on court paperwork.

“We are waiting for a settlement agreement to be issued. Once that’s out, the sale will be open, which actually gives us hope for who might buy it next and where we go from there.”

Sources familiar with the court filings estimate the building could be sold for around $4.3 million, though that amount could change. There is optimism that a buyer aiming to restore it to its former glory might acquire it for less.

Valencia Sherratt also addressed confusion over the use of the La Casa de la Raza name. She said the original group of volunteers is developing a new website under the official La Casa de la Raza name. Meanwhile, the displaced volunteer group has been using the name “La Casa Founders” for its website.

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Caleb Nguyen

ISLA VISTA, Calif. – Fire crews rescued a 74-year-old man from high tide after two men tried helping him on the beach in Isla Vista, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The two men tried calling 911 when the 74-year-old was caught against the cliff near Del Playa and Camino Pescadero, according to the SBCFD.

Firefighter swimmers then rescued the 74-year-old to safety and took him to Cottage Hospital for an evaluation, detailed the SBCFD.

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