Category: keyt-local-news

Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — It’s a tradition that’s been around for more than a century.

“It’s really the spirit of love. The spirit of God. You know? What is it? I don’t think you can put words on it, but you know it when you feel it. You know it’s real,” said Father Larry Gosselin.

But this year, Old Spanish Days feels a little different.

In light of recent ICE raids up and down the Central Coast, many have been staying home out of fear of deportation — casting a shadow over Santa Barbara’s annual Fiesta tradition.

“I’m grateful our business has been busy, but I feel that it’s different than what it was before. There’s a lot of fear that gets spread, and then it affects everybody negatively. And then there are a lot of really bad things happening that justify the fear,” said Relaxation Tea owner Vanessa Fayad.

The owners of Relaxation Tea say they cope with these tense political times by staying busy and focused.

“I’m blessed enough to be able to be out here without being scared. So I try to take advantage of those moments,” Fayad added.

“The way I cope with it is by staying very busy. I stay motivated with my business and just kind of focus on that,” said Juan Vega, co-owner of Relaxation Tea.

Others — like Veronica Plascencia — turn to their faith.

“Jesus will always be with us. Just pray from the heart and everything will be fine.” said Plascencia in Spanish.

She incorporated this message of reassurance into her handmade cascarónes — one featuring an enthusiastic Jesus by a palm tree, and another honoring her niece — the Junior Spirit of Fiesta.

“I don’t know what to say,” her niece said, reacting to the colorful creation.

The Junior Spirit of Fiesta, Victoria Plascencia, says representing her community has been a dream come true.

“It feels so fun because I get to be with my friends at the studio. We get to hang out. And being on stage is fun because you love doing it — and they love you doing it,” said Victoria.

The Spirit of Fiesta, Natalia Trevino, says she overcomes the heaviness of the moment through her passion for dance.

“You know, there are challenges, but I just want to dance for my community. Fiesta brings people together, and that’s what’s so special about Santa Barbara,” said Trevino.

Old Spanish Days has now completed its 101st year — and locals say it’s here to stay.

“We want to celebrate that love and that unity. And we need that so much in our world today,” said Father Larry Gosselin.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta wrapped up Sunday night with a packed crowd on the final day of the church’s three-day annual fundraiser.

Volunteers said the turnout was the largest of the weekend — and a good sign, as they began to run out of food by the evening.

They welcomed us behind the scenes, where chefs were hard at work preparing authentic Mexican dishes on site. One cook said he loved seeing the community enjoy the food and drinks they poured their hearts into.

“It’s the last day, and the whole community is very happy,” said Arthuro Fausto, who attended with Camila Escobar.

Father Pedro Lopez, of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, acknowledged safety concerns in the wake of recent immigration enforcement actions but emphasized the importance of moving forward.

“It has always been a very strong community-building experience, and the same was true this year,” Fr. Pedro said. “We really needed it to happen — and it did — so we are very grateful.”

Event staffer Anthony Rodriguez said security helped put people at ease and boosted attendance.

“We really appreciate everybody’s support. This is all made with love, family, and tradition,” Rodriguez said.

Throughout the evening, families played games, shopped at a White Elephant Sale, and lined up for food to enjoy on-site or take home. The Fiesta ended with a raffle at the church, located on the corner of Nopal and Montecito streets.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — People in the right place at the right time were treated to a special Fiesta moment at Paseo Nuevo, where Daniela and Ryan Zermeño performed together in a spirited celebration of Old Spanish Days.

Daniela, the 2009 Spirit of Fiesta, and Ryan, the first and only male Junior Spirit in 1998, took the stage with the students they now teach. Their performance brought the crowd to its feet, earning a standing ovation from fans

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Christer Schmidt

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A 19-year-old male was found dead in deep water in the Falls Day Use Area in Santa Barbara.

The body was found in the Santa Ynez River by the Santa Barbara County Fire, Water Rescue Team, and Santa Barbara City Fire.

Officials remind the public that swimming in the Santa Ynez River can be dangerous and to practice proper water safety, including avoiding swimming alone, avoiding the water if you are inexperienced at swimming, staying within designated safety zones, avoiding alcohol and drugs during water activities, wearing a life jacket, and not diving headfirst into unknown water.

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Christer Schmidt

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Officers from the Santa Maria Police Department Gang Suppression Team say they conducted a traffic stop near BenWiley and El Camino after observing a driver using a cell phone while driving.

Officers say the 24-year-old male Santa Maria resident was using his phone while operating the vehicle and did not have a valid driver’s license. They also had a 21-year-old male passenger from Santa Maria.

During the stop, around 6:15 pm on Saturday night, officers say they found an open container of alcohol in the vehicle and a granular substance on the floor that appeared to be narcotics.

Both occupants were removed from the vehicle, and the vehicle was searched. Officers say they found around 6.25 grams of suspected narcotics. Officers say they also found an unserialized 9-millimeter handgun, over $900 in cash, and other indications of narcotics sales.

The pair was arrested on multiple drug and weapons charges and booked into the county jail.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The annual Fiesta at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church went on all weekend.

Dance groups worked for months to perform in front of friends and family at the church.

The event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Catholic church on the corner of Nopal and Montecito Streets.

It is known for affordable food made by families sharing their cooking traditions.

People dined on tamales, pozole, churros and more while they were entertained.

“We love dancing here because it is an amazing community, we have diversity between like three (years-old) all the way to 93 (years-old) and love that,” said Angela Petresku of Me Sabor Dance Studio on Gutierrez St. in Santa Barbara.

Fernando Espinosa said making all the tamales was worthwhile and a lot of work.

Their tamales are such a big hit that people will be buying dozens more to take home.

There is usually a long line to buy them.

Everyone was welcomed to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta.

Visitors didn’t have to be a church members and security guards were on hand in case of emergency.

The Fiesta ran through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

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Caleb Nguyen

OXNARD, Calif. – The Dallas Cowboys continued their stay in Oxnard preparing for the 2025 NFL season.

Fans from across the country came to enjoy practice from America’s Team and a chance for autographs.

Sports Anchor Caleb Nguyen had details with the latest from camp, including Micah Parsons’ looming trade request from the franchise.

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Christer Schmidt

ATASCADERO, Calif. – Forward progress on a barn fire in Atascadero was halted by Atascadero Fire Department with assistance from the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department and CAL FIRE SLO.

The barn, located on the 8600 block of San Carlos, was destroyed during the blaze. Nine acres were approximately burned.

Two of the property owners transported themselves to Twin Cities Community Hospital. Four horses died during the fire.

The cause of the fire remains uncertain.

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Christer Schmidt

CRESTON, Calif. – Forward progress on a vegetation fire near Odonovan Road in Creston was stopped by air attack.

The fire hit approximately 30 acres before being contained.

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Christer Schmidt

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura Police Department (VPD) arrested a suspect after a call reported a hit-and-run on northbound Victoria Avenue near Avocet Drive.

VPD says the 21-year-old man was found by the officers after the victim of the hit-and-run followed the suspect vehicle and provided real-time updates to dispatchers.

Officers say they attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver did not yield, and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

During the pursuit, officers say the suspect’s truck hit one of the patrol vehicles before rolling over near Thille and Partridge Streets.

The suspect sustained minor injuries and showed signs of intoxication, according to the VPD. He was treated at Ventura County Medical Center before being booked in Ventura County Jail.

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