Category: keyt-local-news

Caleb Nguyen

PASO ROBLES, Calif. – CAL Fire SLO crews helped with a brush fire that reached 1.59 acres at 2:46 p.m. on Geneseo Road in Paso Robles Friday.

The fire burned uphill at a slow rate of spread and the cause of the fire is under investigation, according to CAL Fire SLO.

Forward progress for the fire stopped around 3:40 p.m. and the fire was fully contained by 5:30 p.m., according to CAL Fire SLO.

Crews mopped up the fire for two more hours after the initial response, detailed CAL Fire SLO.

No structures were threatened, no evacuation orders were issued due to the fire and Your News Channel will have more information as it becomes available on this fire.

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KESQ

Story Update 05/09/2025: LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) The Riverside County Sheriff’s Coroner Bureau has released the cause of death for Jeff Sperbeck, longtime agent of NFL legend John Elway.

According to the Coroner’s report, the cause of death is “blunt head trauma,” and the manner of death is “accident,” and the mode of death (how the injury occurred) is “passenger fell from golf cart.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into the incident remains open and ongoing.

Earlier story – 05/02/2025:

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said there doesn’t appear to be signs of any criminal activity in the golf cart accident that killed Jeff Sperbeck, longtime agent of NFL legend John Elway, in La Quinta over the weekend.

The accident happened Saturday afternoon at the 53200 block of Humboldt Boulevard, inside the Madison Club. Sperbeck was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead early Tuesday morning.

Elway was reportedly driving the golf cart at the time of the accident, witnesses told News Channel 3 Sports Director Blake Arthur.

Bianco shared a statement with News Channel 3’s Karen Devine on Friday:

“While the investigation is not yet completed, there is nothing we have learned to indicate this is anything other than a tragic accident.”

UPDATE: La Quinta Death Investigation The investigation is ongoing and has not been completed, but at this point, there is nothing to indicate that this is anything more than a tragic accident.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office pic.twitter.com/z8oATNrNXI

— Riverside County Sheriff (@RSO) May 2, 2025

Bianco expanded on the investigation in an interview with the Denver Post on Friday, where he stated that medical personnel at the scene did not find evidence that Elway was inebriated at the time of the accident. There were no specific details as to how medical personnel reached that conclusion.

Bianco added that the Sheriff’s Office is reviewing surveillance footage and witness testimony.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to the scene as Bianco told the Denver Post that first responders didn’t immediately flag RSO for any sort of investigatation. The agency confirmed to News Channe 3 that they were made aware of the accident on Monday then launched their investigation.

TMZ reports that Elway was seen at a party two hours before the accident.

Elway has hired Denver-based attorney, Harvey Steinberg, according to multiple reports Friday. Steinberg issued a statement on behalf of his client.

“This has been a terrible time for everyone involved and our hearts continue to go out to the Sperbeck family. As John grieves this unimaginable loss, we appreciate the efforts of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation has confirmed what we already knew: this was a tragic accident and sometimes things happen in life that we will never comprehend.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates on the investigation.

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Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – San Luis Obispo County is providing an update on the contaminated water incident last week in the Five Cities.

Last Wednesday, San Luis Obispo County issued an unprecedented notice for Five Cities residents to boil water after harmful bacteria was discovered in samples taken from Lopez Lake, the main source of water for the entire Five Cities region.

According to a San Luis Obispo County release, test results on April 29th showed that Five Cites tested positive for total coliform bacteria.

In addition, one of the sites also tested positive for E. coli, a bacterium that can sometimes cause illness.

Once those test results became known, San Luis Obispo County Public Works said it immediately notified the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (Division of Drinking Water), as well as the communities and districts use water from the Lopez Project (Lopez Lake).

Public Works added that the department began testing the system, and on April 30th, the next set of test results showed that two locations still tested positive for total coliform and zero positive for E. coli.

Since the follow-up results still showed the presence of coliform bacteria after one earlier sample tested positive for E. coli, Public Works said the Division of Drinking Water required the county to issue a “Boil Water Notice” to the all of the agencies that pull water from the Lopez Project in order to protect public health.

In its release, Public Works states that all local water agencies that tested their distribution systems also reported no contamination during the event.

The county also added it was required by the Division of Drinking Water to continue daily sampling of the pipeline until there were two consecutive sets of samples over a 48-hour period showing no total coliform or E. coli.

The two-day time frame was the minimum regulatory time period necessary to remove the boil notice.

According to the county, on May 1st, all thirteen testing sites showed no presence of total coliform or E. coli, and on the next day May 2nd, all thirteen testing sites also detected no presence of total coliform or E. coli.

After test results showed no signs of contaminated, San Luis Obispo County began lifting the boil notice for the affected communities.

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Alissa Orozco

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. – May is Mental Health Awareness Month and its an opportunity to take to some time to evaluate and prioritize your mental health. 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental health illness, however, not many people are aware of the resources available.

San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Program Manager, Brita Connelly, spoke with your News Channel to talk about making your mental health a priority. Connelly says the county recognizes mental health illnesses are important to talk about as it is something that impacts so many people, even those in our community.

“Mental Health Awareness month, like other campaign months, is a great opportunity for all of us to take action and follow a call to action to assess our own mental health, check in with others and have conversations about a really critical topic,” Connelly says.

Connelly says taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health. The World Health Organization says although most people are resilient, factors such as poverty, violence, disability, and inequality can put you at a higher risk for developing a mental illness.

“Remembering to check in with yourself and noticing what your own signs and symptoms are when you’re may be experiencing some challenges or a decline, so that you are the best advocate for yourself when you know that you’re struggling.”

If you suspect you and or anyone you know is struggling mentally, doing things to help ease your mind such as journaling, joining a support group, and talking to friends or family is recommended.

“I just encourage everyone to find something near to them or maybe build one themselves and build a small community where they focus on something together, like breathing exercises to just help with grounding for all of us.”

Santa Barbara County is also celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month this May with their “Light Up Green” campaign, where buildings all over the county will shine bright in green, the official color for mental health awareness.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Veterans learned more about their benefits and the services available for them at a special “Stand Down” day.

It itook place at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Barbara Friday.

Different groups and non-profits specializing in veteran’s services were in one place to answer questions and provide help in a collaborated way.

Many vets showing up looked for the outreach, a support group and to learn about and new benefits.

Some of their needs are clear and some are still coming to the surface. U.S. Army Veteran Matthew  Nancarrow said,  “you are living with it every day and it is good to see those guys actually getting  the recognition.”

Even though most of the veterans who came were aware of their benefits, there were some who came in  and found out there were some new opportunities and signed up immediately.

“Just today, I’ve had two new faces that came in, that were not combat veterans but were in service and got injured in the line of service and didn’t think they were entitled but they were here today and they  got signed up,” said Nancarrow.

Everyone who attended was treated to a free lunch.

This gives the veterans, many who know each other and some making new friends, a chance to bond and reminisce.

They plan to get together again later this month.

Nancarrow said, “so this is the big run up to the Memorial day services at our cemetery.”

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps stopped by.

Her dad  the late former Congressman Walter Capps devoted his time in office and as a UC Santa Barbara Professor to veterans issues, care and overall wellness.

Capps said, “veterans have a strong sense of duty.  I think we are missing some of that sense right now. That sense of duty that giving back to your country  patriotism that we are in it  for a larger collective good. Even when it’s hard that’s what veterans prove to us.  That’s why we don’t forget.”

Having activities for veterans is said to be vital. The Friendship Center was at the event with a list of daily events that are covered as a benefit.

Kim Larsen is with the Montecito and Carpinteria Friendship Center. She says, “any qualified veteran can attend our Friendship center  five days a week.  If they are not currently enrolled in the VA I will enroll them.  We are bilingual  so we have activities in Spanish and English.”

Veterans will also be back together on Saturday May 17th for a Santa Barbara Salute to the Armed Forces at the American Indian Health Center on upper State street.

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Jarrod Zinn

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Cal Poly university president Jeffrey Armstrong testified before Congress this week about the rise in antisemitic incidents on campus.

President Armstrong and two other university presidents received a letter from the House Committee on Education and Workforce asking them to testify about antisemitic incidents on campus.

The education and workforce committee cited a 388% surge nationally in antisemitic incidents in the month after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.

The Anti-Defamation League gave Cal Poly a “D” grade on their Campus Antisemitism Report Card…. which led to president Jeffrey Armstrong’s testimony before the committee on Wednesday.

“The violence permeated that day must be condemned without equivocation, and the targeting of Jewish students on campuses across the U.S. that followed was terrible and unacceptable. Both as a university president and a human being. This is a matter I take particularly seriously. We have to do better,” says president Armstrong.

Incidents cited by the house and anti-defamation league include alleged verbal harassment by a cal poly professor and threatening graffiti.

Armstrong expressed how seriously he takes the matter.

“I want to emphasize that our goal is continuous improvement. We will work to give each student the safest possible environment free from discrimination and religious intolerance so they can learn, grow and succeed. We call it being ready day one,” says president Armstrong.

Several students say the Cal Poly campus normally has a well-managed and non-threatening atmosphere, one that’s quite conducive to learning.

“I feel very, very safe at Cal Poly and the entirety of SLO as well. And I’ve never really had an issue with like, you know, finding a safe space to study or a safe place to go,” says Hudson Lund, a first-year student.

“Cal Poly is a really, like, comfortable place. I’ll go to Subway at two in the morning and feel totally fine walking a total of like a miles from my dorm to subway at back in two in the morning. I can’t like when it’s night. I can’t really walk around and not see a police officer, which is also like a very reassuring thing,” says Kennan Knowles, another first-year student.

The Trump administration is scrutinizing many college campuses across the nation, demanding Jewish students be kept safe lest their federal funding be pulled.

Some universities have pushed back against those demands.

And the American Jewish Committee has said it welcomes actions preventing antisemitism, but that overly broad funding cuts or punishment will hurt the standing of American universities.

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Christa Kurkjian

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – As national flower prices rise due to import tariffs, Westerlay Orchids in Carpinteria is offering a budget-friendly, locally grown alternative just in time for Mother’s Day. The popular orchid grower has kept its prices steady this year, thanks to its Santa Barbara County-based facilities that produce every bloom from flask to flower.

“All of our orchids are 100% grown in Carpinteria,” said showroom manager Virginia Hayes. “We haven’t raised our prices at all. What you paid last year is what you’ll pay this year.”

Unlike many florists affected by tariff-related price hikes on imported flowers, Westerlay Orchids maintains affordability without sacrificing quality. With prices ranging from $12 to $300, the nursery provides gifts for every budget—from small “little darlings” to luxurious multi-stem arrangements.

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as beginner orchids, are Westerlay’s specialty. These easy-care plants bloom for 3 to 4 months and require only weekly watering and indirect light. Hayes noted that the cheerful yellow variety is among her personal favorites.

Customers can browse the newly remodeled showroom, which now features a larger arrangement bar with grab-and-go displays, custom planting services, and the option to bring in personal containers.

This Mother’s Day weekend, Westerlay is extending its hours:

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For those unable to visit in person, online ordering is available at www.westerlayorchids.com.

“This is our Super Bowl,” Hayes said. “It’s the most exciting and busiest week of the year.”

For more information, visit https://www.westerlay.com/

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Mike Klan

FRESNO, Calif. – Westmont Baseball (40-12) is one win away from claiming the PacWest Tournament Championship after posting a 15-4 win over the second-seeded Sea Lions of Point Loma (37-15). The Warriors belted out six home runs to tie a single-season program record.

Bryan Peck earned the win for the Warriors, improving to 6-1 on the year. The senior right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits in five and two-third innings. He struck out five and walked just one.

“I shared with the guys, when you have quality starting pitching, that gives the office an opportunity to get their engines going,” said Westmont’s head coach Paul Svagdis. “Bryan did a tremendous job today. It was a great reflection of what a senior leader and a four-year starter looks like in this program.”

Before Peck took the mound, the Warrior hitters handed him a 4-0 lead.

Westmont started the game with five straight hits. Grant Yzermans, who produced four hits in the game, started things off with a double to right.

Asked about his role as a lead-off hitter, Yzermans said, “It tells me Coach Svagdis has a lot of trust in me to be a spark plug for the team and get it going and get us some momentum. It worked out.”

Michael Soper was walked after Yzermans at bat, bringing up Bryce McFeely. The senior first baseman delivered a three-run home run over the fence in left center field to spot the Warriors to a 3-0 lead. Daniel Patterson followed McFeely with a solo home run to center. Increasing the Warrior lead by one.

Regarding taking the mound with a 4-0 run, Peck said, “It changes your whole approach to the game. We are always competing, but it means I get to fill it (the strike zone) up more – more strikes. There is more pressure on them. They are supposed to get out. When you have a lead like that there is no fear to pitch around guys, you just go right at them. You get to attack.”

The score remained 4-0 through the end of the third inning when Svagdis called his team together in the dugout.

“We had a hitting plan going in like we always do,” explained Svagdis. “I felt like sometimes you can take your foot off the gas for a little bit. One of the things that is cool for me as a coach is that I can get into these guys. They are old, they are mature and hopefully we have built a level of trust. They certainly responded.”

Westmont sent the entire batting order to the plate in the top of the fourth, tallying six hits and six runs to take a 10-0 lead. With one away, Yzermans singled to center field to start the engine humming. Soper then singled to left, putting Warriors on first and second. Once again, McFeely stepped to the plate with two men on and, once again, he blasted a three-run home run to left-center field – this one on the first pitch of the at bat.

The Warriors were firing on all cylinders.

“We had a hitting plan and I just stuck to the plan. I just basically did what I was supposed to do and it ended up working out for us. That’s kind of all thanks to Coach Svagdis because without his plan, I don’t know if I hit those homers,” said a modest McFeely.

Patterson followed McFeely with a double to left, bringing Trey Dunn to the plate. Dunn joined the hit parade with the Warriors’ fourth home run of the day – a two-run shot to left. That drove the Point Loma starter from the game, but Westmont was not done scoring in the fourth. Jesse Di Maggio powered a line drive over the left field fence that was never more than 10-15 feet off the ground.

Point Loma scored its first run (unearned) in the bottom of the fourth. An RBI-single by Jake Schwartz drove in Jake Entrekin from third, making it a 10-1 game.

Westmont added three more runs in the top of the fifth. Zach Mora produced a lead-off single down the left-field line. Then, Yzermans notched his second double of the game, advancing More to third. Soper drove in the first two runs with an opposite-field double to left, allowing Mora and Yzermans to score.

An infield single by McFeely continued the inning and moved Soper to third base before Patterson drove a sacrifice fly to left field, plating Soper and making the score 13-1.

Westmont’s 14th run came in the top of the six, courtesy of a towering solo home run to right field by Shane Hofstadler – record tying sixth home run of the game.

Point Loma tallied two runs in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 14-3 before Westmont added one more in the top of the seventh. With one away, McFeely singled to left field. One out later, Dunn was walked. Jack Bollengier then singled to left field, driving in McFeely.

The Sea Lions scored their final run in the bottom of the ninth to make the score 15-4.

Caden Beloian earned a save, his fifth of the year, by pitching the final three and one-third innings, he allowed one run on four hits, struck out two and walked one.

Westmont hitters produced 20 hits, including 11 for extra bases. The 43 total bases ranks as second most in program history.

The win meant that Westmont did not have to play a second game today, to which Svagdis quipped, “That means a lot for my feet, right now. I told the guys to get on the bus, this guy needs to ice his 55-year-old feet.

“Playing doubleheaders, and particularly nine-inning doubleheaders is a lot. We get to go back, get a little dinner and rest. Using two pitchers, with low pitch counts and high innings pitched is really advantageous for the team.”

Game five followed Westmont’s game and featured Hawai’i Pacific and Point Loma in a rematch of yesterday’s second game. Point Loma won the first match-up by a score of 14-5. The Sharks advanced to the night game by defeating Biola 11-5 in an elimination game earlier today. In their second elimination game of the day, Hawai’i Pacific defeated Point Loma 7-6 with a bases loaded, infield single.

As a result, the Warriors will take on the Sharks in game six on Friday at noon. If Westmont wins, the Warriors will claim the tournament championship. If Hawai’i Pacific wins, the two teams will play again in a winner-take-all scenario 30 minutes after the completion of the earlier game.

Reflecting on what winning the tournament would mean, Peck said, “Winning the PacWest Tournament is the first step of a three-piece process to get where we need to go.”

The second and third steps would be winning the West Regional and then the West Super Regional. Victory at those events, would drive the Warriors all the way to Cary, North Carolina – the home of the NCAA Division II World Series.

(Article courtesy of Westmont Athletics)

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Mike Klan

NIPOMO, Calif. – Nipomo High School has a head football coaching vacancy after Stephen Field announced he is returning to Arroyo Grande.

Field led the Titans program the past three seasons, winning an Ocean League title in 2024.

But he is headed back to Arroyo Grande to take a teaching position.

Field starred as a football player for the Eagles and also served as the school’s athletic director before leaving for Nipomo in 2022.

Titans athletic director Russ Edwards will take over the football program on an interim basis.

He was the head coach for the Titans for 8 years which included the 2014 CIF-Southern Section Northwest Division title.

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Mike Klan

FULLERTON, Calif. – Despite falling behind early, the UC Santa Barbara Softball team (30-24, 17-10 Big West) again showed grit and resilience in a come-from-behind 6-2 win over No. 1 seed Cal State Fullerton. The Gauchos plated three runs in the fifth and three runs in the sixth to advance in the elimination bracket of The Big West Championships.

HOW IT HAPPENEDUC Santa Barbara faced the Titans in a competitive matchup, with the game opening quietly as both teams failed to score in the first inning. CSUF broke through in the second inning when with a solo homer. Following the home run, a single and then a two-out triple by the Titans brought in a second run, putting them up 2–0.

The Gauchos and Titans traded zeros on the scoreboard until UC Santa Barbara broke through in the fifth inning. Erin Mendoza singled, followed by Jazzy Santos getting hit by a pitch, setting up Tehya Banks, who singled to drive in Mendoza. Elicia Acosta continued the rally with a single that brought home Santos and Giselle Mejia, giving UC Santa Barbara a 3–2 lead after the fifth.

The momentum continued for UC Santa Barbara in the sixth inning. Santos tripled to right field, driving in two more runs, and Mejia singled to score Santos, extending the lead to 6–2. The Titans were unable to counter as UC Santa Barbara’s defense held strong, closing out any further scoring opportunities.

UP NEXTThe Gauchos will continue their run through the elimination bracket as they will take on the sixth seeded UC San Diego Tritons in a rematch of their opening round game.

(Article courtesy of UCSB Athletics).

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