Category: keyt-local-news

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Visit Ventura regarding their President & CEO, Marlyss Auster being honored as one of the recipients of the 2025 Destination Organization Leadership Award by Destinations International

VENTURA, Calif. – Visit Ventura is proud to announce that Marlyss Auster, President & CEO, was honored as one of the recipients of the 2025 Destination Organization Leadership Award by Destinations International, the world’s largest and most respected association for destination professionals, representing nearly 1,000 destination organizations and business partners across more than 30 countries.

One of the association’s most prestigious honors, the award recognizes those outstanding individuals who have made a significant contribution to the destination marketing industry and have made a profound difference in the communities they serve.

“Marlyss truly embodies the spirit of what this award represents,” said Brian Pendleton, General Manager of the Ventura Port District and Board Chair of the Ventura Visitors Convention Bureau. “She works tirelessly for the benefit of Ventura, and continues to make a profound difference in our community. Marlyss is a respected leader in the destination marketing industry, and is very deserving of the prestigious award.”

Under Auster’s nearly 13 years of leadership, Visit Ventura has won multiple HSMAI Adrian Awards, a Visit California Poppy Award, bestowed biannually, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce Poinsettia Innovation Award, and has been honored six times as one of the best places to work in California’s Central Coast by the Pacific Coast Business Times.

“Marlyss has a passion for our city, and her leadership at Visit Ventura shines through in everything she does,” said City Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacio. “This honor is a beautiful recognition of the heart she brings to our community. The award is well deserved, and we’re incredibly proud of her. We’re fortunate to have her here in the City of Ventura, helping to strengthen our identity and contribute to our economic vitality.”

Most notably, under Auster’s leadership, Ventura was the host city of the finals weekend of X Games California 2023 and X Games Ventura 2024, the world’s leading action sports brand and competition. During these two action packed back to back summers, she led collaboration efforts with the City and regional partners for a holistic transportation, marketing, and community integration plan, and actualized her dreams of elevating Ventura’s small beach community into a destination that could successfully host an international sporting event, changing the business and community landscape for years to come.

Beyond exciting partnerships, events, and campaigns, Auster has also been a leader under dire circumstances like the 2017 Thomas Fire that ravaged the City, and also the global pandemic COVID-19. Through it all, Auster’s passion, empathy, and genuine love for her community led the way through difficult times. And that is a sign of a true community leader.

“Every single day I’m grateful I get to help support my hometown and community through tourism and hospitality,” said Auster. “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the support of my amazing team and partners. It truly takes a village.”

Learn more about the Destination Organization Leadership Award Recipients here.’

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Below is a press release from the City of Santa Barbara regarding environmental concerns ahead of the upcoming Fiesta season

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The use of confetti at Santa Barbara parades and festivals is growing, in both the number of events where confetti is used and the volume of confetti tossed. While confetti eggs or cascarones have long been a tradition at Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days, we are now seeing large bags of confetti being sold and dumped on our sidewalks, streets, and parks.

In addition to paper confetti, the volume of shiny metallic confetti, sequins, glitter, and silly string used at community events is increasing. These are all made of plastic and are often mistaken for food and consumed by birds and other animals. Confetti can easily wash or blow into our storm drains, creeks, and ocean, where it poses a threat to aquatic life and pollutes our environment.

While you’re celebrating in the City, we encourage you to choose paper confetti and use it sparingly!

Storm drains lead to our creeks and ocean untreated, polluting our creeks, beaches, and

Confetti can be mistaken for food by birds, fish, and other wildlife.

Shiny metallic confetti, sequins, and glitter are all made of plastic, which is not biodegradable.

Throwing confetti and leaving it behind is littering!

Are you a vendor making cascarones to sell?

Please only use paper confetti (or leaves!), and do not add plastic or foam decorations on the outside of the eggs.

View information on Selling Cascarones (La venta cascarones).

Want to help spread the word about confetti litter?

Download and share confetti outreach materials.

Traducción al Español:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – El uso de confeti en los desfiles y festivales de Santa Barbara está en aumento, tanto en el número de eventos donde se utiliza como en la cantidad de confeti lanzado. Aunque los huevos de confeti o cascarones han sido una tradición durante mucho tiempo en las Old Spanish Days de Santa Barbara, ahora estamos viendo grandes bolsas de confeti que se venden y se vierten en nuestras aceras, calles y parques.

Además del confeti de papel, también está aumentando el uso de confeti metálico brillante, lentejuelas, brillantina y espuma en aerosol en los eventos comunitarios. Todos estos están hechos de plástico y a menudo son confundidos con alimento y consumidos por aves y otros animales. El confeti puede fácilmente ser arrastrado por el viento o la lluvia hacia nuestras alcantarillas pluviales, arroyos y el océano, donde representa una amenaza para la vida acuática y contamina nuestro medio ambiente.

Mientras celebras en la Ciudad, ¡te animamos a elegir confeti de papel y usarlo con moderación!

Las alcantarillas pluviales desembocan sin tratamiento en nuestros arroyos y el océano, contaminando arroyos y playas.

El confeti puede ser confundido con alimento por aves, peces y otros animales silvestres.

El confeti metálico brillante, las lentejuelas y la brillantina están hechos de plástico, que no es biodegradable.

¡Lanzar confeti y dejarlo tirado es ensuciar!

¿Eres un vendedor que elabora cascarones para vender?

Por favor, utiliza únicamente confeti de papel (¡o hojas!) y no agregues decoraciones de plástico o espuma en el exterior de los huevos.

Ver información sobre La venta cascarones (Selling Cascarones).

¿Quieres ayudar a correr la voz sobre la basura de confeti?

Descarga y comparte los materiales de divulgación sobre el confeti.

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Below is a press release from Santa Barbara MTD regarding their new on-demand microtransit service known as ‘The Wave’

GOLETA, Calif. – After launching a new on-demand microtransit service known as The Wave in an area of Goleta and Isla Vista in late April, Santa Barbara MTD has added a new pickup and drop-off point at the Goleta Community Center.

Microtransit is a flexible, on-demand, curb-to-curb service providing trips between any two points in a specified zone for a flat fare with an accessible van. Riders order a ride on the TransLoc app, or by calling MTD’s Customer Service Center at 805-963-3366. Much like a rideshare app, the rider makes a ride reservation by selecting their pick-up and drop-off locations within the service zone.

“We’re excited to add the connection to the Goleta Community Center—an important landmark in Old Town Goleta that provides services and space for our seniors, families, and community as a whole,” said Hillary Blackerby, Planning and Marketing Manager at Santa Barbara MTD. “We encourage those who haven’t tried The Wave yet to take a ride—it’s convenient, comfortable, and affordable—it’s even complimentary for a bit longer!”

The service zone includes an area bounded by Patterson to the east, Cathedral Oaks to the north, Los Carneros to the west, and 101 to the South. The housing and business park areas on either side of Los Carneros south of the freeway are also included. Additionally, specific points at the following locations are available for drop off or pickup: Goleta Community Center, Goleta Amtrak Station, Santa Barbara Airport, UCSB Bus Loop, Elings Hall stop, Isla Vista Community Center, and the El Colegio & Embarcadero del Mar outbound bus stop. The map of the zone can be found here (or attached).

The Wave is currently operating Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and rides can be booked in the moment or up to a week in advance. Rides continue to be complimentary for now, likely through mid-August.

Once fares are charged, the regular one-way fare will be $3, and seniors over 65 and people with disabilities will pay $1.50. Riders can transfer for free to any MTD fixed route bus within an hour and will be provided a transfer by the driver upon request. Payment will be accepted via cash or contactless payment.

Full details and frequently asked questions about The Wave can be found at https://sbmtd.gov/thewave

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – You will be seeing more decorations throughout Santa Barbara soon as part of the citywide celebration of Old Spanish Days coming up.

It couldn’t come at a more important time with attendance down at some of the recent summertime gatherings including the Santa Barbara County Fair recently.

Stores including the Home Improvement Center (ACE Hardware) on Gutierrez street not only have decorative bunting up outside, but also sell it inside. Fiesta flags for Old Spanish Days are made at the Flag Factory in Carpinteria. Some have hand painted additions for a custom look.

Pins and posters for this year’s Old Spanish Days are sold at The Home Improvement Center, The Santa Barbara Historical Museum, The Old Mission and Viva! Santa Barbara at the Paseo Nuevo Mall.

There are also many homeowners that have decorated the front of their house with flags, bunting and lights with the Fiesta colors of red, yellow and green.

The citywide spirited effort is a boost across the board from coffee shop to night spots.

Many bars and restaurants add more Fiesta decor and promotional items from beverage suppliers just for Fiesta.

The Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Miguel Avila said, “the Fiesta atmosphere is in the air.  People sense it, smelling it and they are starting to get into the feeling  of Fiesta.” He said is a very big boost for the economy. “It brings a lot of money to Santa Barbara.  Pretty much all businesses benefit even the ones that are not downtown they can still get a little tail of the business right here on the Westside or even on the Eastside.”

Avila says the community of all ages should “be ready and to embrace the occasion.”

When it comes to decorations around the community, some treat it like other holidays.

2025 El Presidente Fritz Olenberger said, “buy the pins  buy the bunting. I have bunting myself. I am going to put it up at my house. “

He was treated to a special birthday cake over the weekend that featured the Fiesta poster image on it. That cake was make locally by the bakers at Vons on Turnpike, showing the creativity that may catch on with others looking to provide new ways for the public to enjoy the event.

What’s still to be seen is how the popular cascarones street vendors will be stocked up for Fiesta with their confetti eggs.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Santa Maria is celebrating the completion of two brand new neighborhood parks that both opened Tuesday morning.

Dejoy Street Neighborhood Park and Taylor Street Neighborhood Park are now both open to the public to use and enjoy.

The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department held a ribbon cutting at the Dejoy Street Neighborhood Park to officially recognize the many years of effort that was taken to build the new play spaces.

Both sites are called “pocket parks,” a designation for a recreation space that is under one acre in size.

The two parks include play equipment, as well as a safe rubber surface and decorative landscaping.

With the addition of the two facilities, there are now 33 parks located within Santa Maria, with two more larger-scale high-profile locations that will soon open up.

The Japanese Community Center that is located with the Enos Ranch area is nearing completion, while a groundbreaking was recently held to mark the beginning of construction of the Sports Complex at the corner of West Battle Road and South Depot Street.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It’s usually a summer hot spot for tourists from all over the world.

But this year, Old Mission Santa Barbara feels different.

“It’s honestly kind of terrifying when I was here last year. It was packed like you could barely move around and now there’s pretty much like no people around,” said visitor Disella Jimenez of Long Beach.

Staff say tourism is down 15 to 20 percent.

The biggest drop? 

International visitors.

“Typically, we have referee 250,000 people visit on the ground every year in about 150,000 pay to go to the museum, but the numbers are dropping,” said Father Joe Schwab of Old Mission Santa Barbara.

Schwab believes some travelers are staying away because they don’t feel the U.S. is as welcoming anymore.

While other local museums say their numbers look normal, the mission may be the canary in the coal mine.

“Seems to be happening because of government policies being aimed at people who are immigrants or from other countries. So it’s having an impact and it will have an impact on the economy in the area,” said Schwab.

Right now the mission is hopeful that tourism will rebound with more visitors.

“And eventually people from other countries will feel more safe and secure visiting here again,” said Schwab.

“I’m just very brokenhearted by the fear that a lot of people in our community are living with right now … and for people to coexist more peacefully I guess that would be my one wish right now,” said visitor Ryan Moore of Soledad.

Old Mission Santa Barbara will continue tracking visitor numbers, hoping this summer slowdown isn’t the start of a longer trend.

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – After having basketball taken away from him last year due to injury, Hosana Kitenge is enjoying every second of being back on the court.

“The new found love I have is amazing,” said Kitenge who transferred to UCSB from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

The 6’8, 235 pound Kitenge will have one season of eligibility for the Gauchos.

“Coach Joe (Pasternack) came and found me, we just got along, our plans and vision aligned so happy to be here.”

A native of England, Kitenge averaged 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for the Rajin’ Cajuns in the 2023-’24 season.

An achilles injury wiped out last season but Kitenge is healthy again and is a full participant in the Gauchos 8-week summer practice session.

Watching him at practice it is clear that Hosana Kitenge will bring toughness, energy and enthusiasm to the Gauchos.

Asked to describe his play, Kitenge said “Tough and never wanting to quit.”

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Tracy Lehr

GOLETA, Calif. – In the wake of recent ICE activities, the Goleta City Council voted unanimously to reprogram $100,000 to support services such as legal aid and defense and financial assistance to separated families.

The vote follows a four and half hour Special City Council Meeting called to discuss ICE activities under the President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security.

The council ultimately chose to reprogram $100,000 of the $250,000 from existing childcare initiatives.

That money will go to the Human Services Committee to determine how it will be allocated.

Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martin suggested the amount after sharing her story. Reyes-Martin said she was an immigrant and the daughter of a farmworker.

She said the people impacted by ICE activity in the community look like her and her children.

“Please see them, and support them, speak up for them, I have seen so many of our community members do that tonight, I am so proud of that,” said Reyes-Martin.

The city staff seemed well aware of the need for overflow seating.

They set up dozens of chairs and a video monitor in the parking lot, beneath solar panels, outside the council chambers.

During public comments, community members said they have seen ICE agents near businesses including 7/11 and laundromats. They have also seen them in neighborhoods.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch said the fear and anger is real.

He wants to make sure people know they can still reach out to local law enforcement and his office for help, however, he said they can’t stop ICE.

“We also can’t stop it, we can’t interfere with it either, but we will continue to do our job in the way that California requires us to do and that is with respect for everyone that calls Santa Barbara County home,” said Savrnoch.

He said he is not told when there will be ICE activity.

Diego Avila brought a megaphone that he has been using to warn community members.

“Trying to do something about it and this is one way showing up here, networking, connecting, making ourselves heard in this institution, so that is one way we can voice our opinions,” said Avila.

“I think it is really sad that we are having masked men just going out into the community and causing havoc,” said Cesar Trujllo, “I am a father and I have two daughters, a lot of women are afraid to leave their homes.”

Both men are part of a chapter of Union Del Barrio, based in San Diego, that tries to warn people about ICE activity.

“This is a good opportunity for our communities to unite and come together as a community as one,” said Trujillo.

The city also had an interpreter on hand to help those speaking and listening.

Julissa Peña told the council that Goleta and the Central Coast are sandwiched between ICE processing centers.

“One in north Santa Maria and we have Camarillo and so we feel so surrounded,” said Peńa, who serves as the Executive Director of the Immigrant Legal Defense Center (ILDC).

“Folks facing deportation proceedings cannot afford private attorneys and are not appointed government council,” said Peña.

They have five attorneys helping hundreds of people taken into custody by ICE.

Speakers said they worried about the Mixteco indigenous community members.

“We are now trying to figure out how to get families back together, a lot of people are reaching out to figure out how to do family prep planning,” said Josue Vasquez with the MICOP Legal Assistance Program.

Vasquez told the council about three local brothers missing their parents due to recent raids.

They are asking the city leaders to rise up and help the undocumented workers who are impacted by so-called collateral arrests during Enforcement and Removal Operations.

After hours of public comments, the Goleta City Council voted unanimously in favor a six-pronged approach to help those impacted by ICE raids.

The resolution from the council agenda posted online includes the following:

Work closely with regional partners, including the County of Santa Barbara and nearbysouth county cities to formulate a consistent message and any collaborative actionitems. Pertinent information and any updated guidance are important to regularlydisseminate throughout the community.

Submit Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) requests on the federal government,seeking access to ICE records on raids and enforcement actions conducted within theCity. Staff would seek information about recent operations in the area to betterunderstand what activities have occurred, when and where such activities haveoccurred, and who has been subject to such activities, among other items.

Follow, support and advocate for state legislation aimed at addressing recent ICEactivities. The following state bills (which may be subject to change) are currentlyunder consideration, and, with Council direction, the City can send official letters ofsupport.

Work with the region’s federal representatives, including U.S. Representative SaludCarbajal, to follow and support federal legislative and administrative efforts aimed ataddressing the way ICE activities are occurring, including:a. S.2212 (Padilla) — 119th Congress (2025-2026). A bill to amend section 287of the Immigration and Nationality Act to require all immigration enforcementofficers to display visible identification during public-facing immigrationenforcement actions and to promote transparency and accountability.

Track lawsuits filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other entitiesand nonprofits aimed at protecting the community from tactics employed by ICEalleged to be unlawful.

Provide funding to local nonprofit organizations who are providing frontline assistanceto those affected by ICE activities. Services that City Council may wish to supportcould include legal defense, mental health services, and direct services or financialassistance.a. Any funding assistance to a nonprofit organization that provides services tocommunity members impacted by ICE activities serves a broad public purpose,with only incidental private benefit, consistent with the California Constitution.

For more information visit https://www.cityofgoleta.org

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John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – Boxes and bags of donations are arriving at several locations to help those who have been impacted by immigration enforcement, especially families who have lost someone who was the main financial support.

The immigration actions have led to several hundred arrests.

Community members who want to help are being asked to donate specific items to collection points.

They include beens, rice, canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, and other necessities including diapers.

One of the drop off spots has been Island Brewing Company in Carpinteria at 5049 6th St. just off Linden Ave.

Already multiple boxes have been filled and some have been distributed through the Carpinteria Children’s Creative Project and specific churches in Ventura County who that assisting those in need.

In Santa Barbara, La Casa de la Raza at 601 East Montecito Street has a food collection site that’s open seven days a week. It is also setting up a mobile food pantry where supplies can be brought to neighborhoods for a fast distribution.

Some of the recipients say they are scared to go out during these tense times and these donations will help them get through this situation.

Sunday at Island Brewing, hundreds of dollars in purchases came in from one of the donations.

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Below is a press release from the City of Atascadero regarding the removal of one Deodar Cedar Tree from the city’s Sunken Gardens

ATASCADERO, Calif. – A local tree contractor will be removing one of the heritage Deodar Cedar trees from Sunken Gardens in downtown Atascadero this week. The removal is expected to take a day to complete, and East Mall will be closed during the work. Businesses along East Mall will be open for business. Parking is available in the City Hall parking lot on the corner of East Mall and Lewis Avenue or along El Camino Real.

The cedar tree, which is approximately 100 years old, has been in a state of decline for several years primarily due to its age. Sadly, the cedar tree has now reached a level of decline that makes it a safety risk to park users and needs to be removed. There may be a need for the removal of additonal trees at some point in the future as the remaining cedars continue to age.

The Sunken Gardens was an integral part of EG Lewis’s vision for the Colony of Atascadero; it is a designated historic resource which contributes to the site and the setting of Historic City Hall and remains a very important aspect of Atascadero’s downtown and community culture. The locations of the four cedars were designed to enhance the landscape, providing shade and adding to the nuance of the fountain and the sculptures that adorn the Gardens.

The removal of this cedar will balance the appearance of the park as the adjacent counterpart cedar was removed in 2017. As was done in 2017, a new cedar will be planted in the area of the cedar being removed sometime in the near future.

The cedar wood will be transported to a local mill and furniture company, Deadwood Revival Design, and available for purchase for Atascadero residents interested in owning a piece of the City’s history. Unprocessed wood (raw wood) will be available this fall while processed (kiln-dried) wood will be available in the summer of 2026. Atascadero residents interested in purchasing some of the cedar wood should contact Deadwood Revival Design at (805) 552-5897 or visit www.deadwoodrevivaldesign.com.

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