Category: keyt-local-news

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A San Marcos High School student reported a substitute teacher who repeatedly said a racial slur during a first-period class Friday, according to SMHS Principal Dare Holdren.

Instructions from the absent teacher explicitly mentioned substituting the slur during a reading of Of Mice and Men in a first-period class, according to SMHS Principal Dare Holdren.

Below is a full statement from Principal Holdren released to parents after the incident:

Hello students and families in Ms. Hannah’s 1st period.

I am writing to let you know that during 1st period this morning, a substitute teacher in Ms. Tia’s 1st period class was reading aloud from Of Mice and Men, and read aloud the n-word multiple times. The lesson plan for the class had advised the sub to replace any slurs with appropriate language. 

I am grateful that a student reported the incident to the office during the period, so we were able to address it right away. In response, we pulled the substitute from the classroom. In addition, I addressed the class about the impact of the incident and discussed some of the historical context of the use of that particular slur, and I am messaging you, so that you are aware, can discuss the incident as a family, and can let us know if any students need support.

I am disappointed and upset that this happened, particularly in light of our school and district-wide efforts to address racist language. While the substitute seems to have not intended to cause harm, the impact of the use of the slur was hurtful and traumatic for many of the students in the class. We will be working on next steps for addressing the incident with the substitute teacher and Ms. Hannah will make sure students get to discuss the incident as a class upon her return. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me to discuss. 

Thanks,Mr. Holdren 

One parent appreciated how quickly the school administration handled the situation:

“We appreciated how promptly Mr. Holdren and his staff addressed this unfortunate situation and letting us know about the resources that are available from SB Unified for minority students.”   

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Alissa Orozco

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – A small development in the case of Melodee Buzzard happened Friday as Sheriff’s detectives shared an updated timeline and images of the missing nine-year-old.

On Oct.14th, a school administrator reported that Melodee had been missing from school for some time and when deputies arrived at Melodee’s mother’s home in the 500 block of Mars Avenue in Vandenberg Village, the nine-year-old was not there and, “no clear explanation was provided for her whereabouts” stated a press release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday.

Concern over the welfare of the young girl has grown both locally and nationally as it was revealed that Melodee’s mother Ashlee rented a white Chevrolet Malibu and drove Melodee outside of Santa Barbara county, possibly as far away as the state of Nebraska.

New surveillance images captures Melodee at a local car rental business on October 7th, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and likely a wig, “that is darker and straighter than her natural hair,” according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives believe the wig may have been used to alter her appearance, and Ashlee is known to wear wigs herself.

Previously shared photos of Melodee were at least two-years-old.

Detectives confirmed Ashlee returned to their Lompoc residence on October 10th in the same rental car, but without Melodee – narrowing down the critical timeline to between October 7th and October 10th.

The two’s three-day roadtrip went from Lompoc to the Nebraska area, with the return trip including the state of Kansas. Detectives say they are now focused on determining where Melodee was during those three days and where she may be now.

Sheriff Bill Brown said, “Our detectives are following every lead in this case. We continue to seek information from the public that could help us find Melodee,” said Sheriff Bill Brown. “We remain determined to bring her home safely.”

Melodee Buzzard is described as a 9-year-old female, approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, 60 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

The department asks the public to not conduct their own independent searches or investigations to not interfere with law enforcement efforts.

A community prayer vigil for Melodee’s safety is being hosted tonight by her paternal family in Vandenberg Village.

Detectives are asking anyone who has seen Melodee or has information about her whereabouts to contact the Sheriff’s Office through one of the following methods:

· Detectives Line: (805) 681-4150

· Anonymous Tip Line: (805) 681-4171 · Online Tips: SBSheriff.org

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Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – The story of Melodee Buzzard is gripping the Lompoc Valley and much of the nation.

The case of the missing 9-year-old girl continues with no resolution as her mother Ashlee is not cooperating with law enforcement. 

The community gathered for a prayer vigil on Friday night.

Investigators have released newer photos of the little girl.

The community prayer vigil outside the home of Melodee Buzzard Friday was organized by the young girl’s grandmother Lilly Denes, who works with your News Channel.

And these more recent images are adding a note of hope to a case that has many in the neighborhood and the nation holding their breath and continuing to pray.

New details have surfaced on Ashlee driving Melodee out of Santa Barbara county in a rental car, as far away as Nebraska. 

Deputies now say this road trip took three days and included a stop in Kansas before Ashlee returned to Lompoc without her daughter.

Surveillance images from October 7th when Ashlee rented a white Chevy Malibu have yielded the most recent photos of Melodee, and deputies say the little girl appears to be wearing a wig.

They also note that Ashlee is known to wear wigs herself.

At tonight’s prayer vigil, relatives have a message for the missing girl.

“Melodee,” says the girl’s aunt, sister to Melodee’s late father Rubiell Meza. “Melodee, we love you. We miss you, and we’re praying for you, that you’re well, that you’re okay. You know, just hang in there. No matter what’s going on, you’re going to be home soon and we’ll be able to see you. So we love you. And we missed you very much.”

Investigators with both Santa Barbara county and the FBI continue to ask for the public’s help in locating Melodee.

If you have seen Melodee or have any information, you can call the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division (805) 681-4150. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information through the tip line at (805) 681-4171 or online at https://www.sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip/.

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John Palminteri

ISLA VISTA, Calif. (KEYT) – The large scale Halloween events of the past have quieted down in recent years in the area filled with UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College students, but this year, Halloween activities could start a week earlier.

The community has worked hard on safe activities, alternatives to large events and a message to disruptive out-of-towners to stay out.

Lt. Joe Schmidt heads up the Isla Vista Foot Patrol for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Dept.

“The last few years we have seen a very  a minimal impact of an out of town crowd for Halloween. I think  the word is out that  this is not the place  to go,” he said.

Halloween is next Friday. Many parties are scheduled this weekend – which could bring out an infusion of festive local residents, their friends and curious outsiders.

“We have significantly upstaffed Sheriff’s deputies and UCPD officers for Isla vista  to manage what we anticipate will be larger crowd coming,” said Schmidt.

Many residents say they will be gone for Halloween but here this weekend. Larsen Porter said, “and I went out last weekend  and everybody was in costume   and the spirit    very much alive .”  

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and other organizations have been doing outreach to “Keep it Safe, Keep it Local.”

The ordinances restricting live music and loud music to help control the atmosphere kick in over the Halloween weekend but they are not in place this weekend.

Alternative activities over the next week include a “Haunted Pumpkin Patch” in Anisq’Oyo’ Park, as organized by the Isla Vista Recreation & Park District (IVRPD). 

In recent years, these events have also included carnival games, silent discos, and family-friendly activities in an area, which has year-round residents and many families.

The arrest totals have dropped significantly in recent years.

The Sheriff’s Department operating the Isla Vista Foot Patrol is collaborating with UCSB Police, the City of Goleta, the Isla Vista Community Services District, the Recreation and Parks Department,AMR, the County Fire Department and student leaders to have safe streets and a quick response to needs.

Some students say they want to have fun but they also want to be very aware of what is going on around them so they can avoid something bad happening and ruining their Halloween.

Emilio Lopez said, “we have a risk management team for my  group that we  have  we always make sure that nothing bad is going on.  it’s always safe even without the cops.”

It’s also a time when parents are checking in. Ayden Curameng said, “I am always talking to my parents and they are always saying be careful what you do and watch who you are around but I think I am good with  being safe.”

While there will be beefed up law enforcement, fire, AMR and other services, Schmidt says “we have to protect their right  to have fun and celebrate  this great area but we have to make sure people are safe. ”

There will be safe stations set up for those who need to get away from big crowds or the wrong people, and there will be water to hydrate.

Malea Smith is a student who makes a plan to go out and get home safely. She has not had any negative experiences. “I felt safe every time I am out and I am always making sure I am with friends and I feel safe and I have walked home alone and it is totally safe.”

(More details about the Halloween week activities will be covered in the week ahead.)

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Joey Vergilis

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – On this week’s Walkthrough with Joey, we caught up with Malachi Johnston – a three-time captain, two-way standout, and the heartbeat of the Santa Barbara Dons football program.

From a wide-eyed freshman stepping onto the field in 2022 to a seasoned veteran, the four-year varsity, two-way star now embodies the Dons’ identity: relentless effort, sharp football IQ, and unwavering discipline on and off the field.

The Cal Poly Mustang commit has suited up for 42 games in the green and gold. 

“It’s kind of crazy,” Johnston said when reflecting on his high school career. “I didn’t realize I played that many games… it went real fast.”

In his four years, Johnston has seen a new team form around him nearly every season. 

“I’ve been on pretty much an entirely different team each year,” he said. “It kind of sucked because I’m the one guy left behind every time. I’ve lost a lot of my best friends who graduate and move on, and then I’m still here.”

Despite the constant roster turnover,  Johnston’s gratitude is evident. 

“Being able to experience it with so many different people has really let me appreciate what I get to do. It just helps me realize how special it is that I get to put on a Dons uniform and represent the city like that.”

With all that experience, Johnston’s taken on the rare challenge of playing both offense and defense.

“I think the biggest challenge is probably keeping myself safe,” he said with a grin. 

“It’s pretty easy to get hurt when you play that much. I think when we played Corona del Mar, we played 160 plays I played 145 of them. My body was pretty beat up, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Johnston shared.

That kind of workload might sound brutal, but for him, it’s worth it.

“I love playing football. As long as I get to play, I don’t care how much or how little it is,” he said. “I have fun doing both — I just love it.” Johnston said with pride.

When asked what goes through his mind in the trenches, Johnston doesn’t hesitate.

“Every time I get in my stance, my goal is to beat this dude up and rob him of his confidence. Every single time I play a team, I want them to watch film the next day and be like, that guy really messed us up.’” said the  6’3”, 270  pound Johnston.

In Johnston’s sophomore year, the Dons football program underwent a leadership change when Nate Mendoza was named head coach. 

“Mendo,” as the team calls him, immediately reshaped the culture, building an identity around relentless effort and accountability, those values align almost perfectly with Johnston himself.

“Under Mendo, everything is effort. If you don’t give 100% of your effort, you won’t play. We’re not necessarily the most athletic, biggest, or fastest guys, but we don’t have to be. It’s all about outworking you. Do you want it as bad as I do? Do you want it more?” Johnston explained.

“He’s drilled that into our brains,” Johnston said. “It’s a pretty good feeling to play for Mendo.”

When he’s not grinding on the field, in the gym, or in the classroom, Johnston finds peace far from the roar of Peabody Stadium.

“I like to go up to Camino Cielo,” he said. “There’s this dirt road that goes over the top of the mountains, and I like to go up there and kind of camp by myself. I get to decompress a little bit and be myself. I think that makes me a better player and a better teammate.”

As the sun sets over those same mountains Johnston retreats to, the lights at Peabody Stadium will power on for a Conejo Coast showdown tonight, as Malachi Johnston and the Dons welcome undefeated Westlake at 7 p.m.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT). – Reese Paskin and Cora Loomer had eight kills each to lead San Marcos girls volleyball to a CIF-Southern Section Division II Round 2 sweep over top-seed Rancho Christian of Temecula.

The Royals won 25-15, 25-21, 25-20 and advance to the quarterfinals at Long Beach State on Wednesday.

(Jordan Schmoller blocks the shot as San Marcos improves to 27-6 on the year. Entenza Design).

Charlotte Hastings and Samantha Fallon each added seven kills as the Royals recorded their second sweep in as many playoff matches.

CIF-SS D6 Round 2:

Wiseburn-Da Vinci (El Segundo) 3, Bishop Diego 1

(Sophie Otte delivers a kill for Bishop Diego in a 4-set loss. Entenza Design).

(Bishop Diego ends the season 18-14. Entenza Design).

CIF-SS D4, Round 2:

Ventura 3, Yucaipa 0 (Ventura at Paloma Valley in quarterfinals on Wednesday).

Oak Park 3, Burroughs(Riverside) 0 (OP at Linfield Christian in quarterfinals on Wednesday).

CIF-SS D8, Round 2:

Foothill Tech 3, Rancho Alamitos 1 (FT hosts Malibu in quarterfinals on Wednesday).

CIF-SS D10, Round 2:

Thacher 3, Edgewood 1 (Thacher hosts Colton in quarterfinals on Wednesday).

Anaheim 3, Hueneme 0

San Luis Obispo Classical 3, Desert Hot Springs 2 (SLO at Mesa Grande in quarterfinals on Wednesday).

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT). -UC Santa Barbara secured a 2-0 victory over CSUN on Thursday evening at Harder Stadium. This victory marked the Gauchos as the first Big West team to defeat the Matadors this season. UC Santa Barbara’s defense was highlighted by a shutout performance from their goalkeeper, Maddie Buckley, who tallied six saves. The home team scored once in each half, with the game-winning goal coming early in the match.

FROM HEAD COACH PAUL STUMPF”We faced some challenges with a few players being out and not 100 percent,” said Head Coach Paul Stumpf. “But our young players gained valuable experience. Maddie [Buckley] was crucial, making a key save on a breakaway that could have changed the game.”

HOW IT HAPPENEDThe first half began with UC Santa Barbara establishing an early lead as Olivia Howard found the back of the net in the eighth minute, assisted by Caitlyn Simons. The home team maintained offensive pressure with multiple corner kicks and shots on goal, including a significant attempt by Mya Delaney that was saved by the Matadors’ Riley Liebsack.

UC Santa Barbara continued to create scoring opportunities throughout the half, with Isabella Ong and Emma Corcoran both challenging the Cal State Northridge goalkeeper, who made several key saves. Maddie Buckley also contributed defensively with a crucial save against the Matadors’ shot, ensuring the Gauchos held their 1-0 advantage as the half concluded.

The second half commenced with a strategic push from UC Santa Barbara, earning a series of corner kicks that set the stage for an offensive breakthrough. In the 55th minute, Corcoran capitalized on an assist from Delaney to extend the lead to 2-0.

While the Matadors attempted to respond, Buckley remained vigilant in goal, registering key saves. With solid defensive efforts and sustained offensive pressure, UC Santa Barbara maintained the 2-0 advantage through the end of regulation.

UP NEXTUC Santa Barbara will wrap up their 2025 home slate on Sunday, Oct. 26, as it hosts UC Riverside in their final regular-season home match. Prior to the game, the Gauchos will honor their seven seniors for senior day. The Gauchos and Highlanders will kick off at 12 p.m.

(Article courtesy of UCSB Athletics)

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Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) —The play “Jonny and the Baptists” is about two friends trying to overcome trauma. It showcases Paddy Gervers and his friendship with Jonny Donahoe, a creative partner he’s known since childhood. Gervers says the play is based on his experience losing his mother decades ago. He says it’s a mixture of storytelling, standup, and songs, tackling heavy themes using British humor. “There is no one else who I rip on harder than Johnny. And he does. And that’s what makes the show work, because I think otherwise we wouldn’t be able to talk about it, particularly on stage,” said “Jonny and the Baptists” actor Paddy Gervers. “People I know who’ve lost someone can’t even think about them ever again because it’s too painful. And I understand that. But they’ve also lost so much more because they can’t remember the wonder of that person,” said “Jonny and the Baptists” actor Jonny Donahoe.

The show takes place Thursday at 7:00 pm and Saturday at 7:30 pm at the Center Stage Theater.   All proceeds go to helping non-profit New Beginnings.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – An opening day has been announced for the new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Santa Maria.

The popular chain will open its second restaurant in Santa Maria on Thursday, Nov. 6.

It will join the other Chick-fil-A in Santa Maria, which is located along Betteravia Road in the Enos Ranch shopping center on the south side of the city.

The new location is at the north end of the city just off of Highway 101 at the busy intersection of North Broadway and Presiker Lane, next to the Hampton Inn and Suites and Wendy’s restaurant.

Due to the popularity of Chick-fil-A, long lines of cars are usually seen at its restaurants and there have been some concerns how the location will be able to handle what is expected to be a heavy amount of traffic.

To help traffic flow at the busy location, city planners and the developer have worked together creating a plan that is intended to limit the potential impacts.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Local market Tri-County Produce, known for having the freshest produce grown/made right here on the Central Coast, is hosting a Harvest Homecoming Block Party!

Taking place on Saturday, October 25th, the event invites the community to visit the store to do their part in supporting local farmers, while enjoying family-friendly activities and great food!

Father-son duo, Jaime Desales Sr. and Jaime Desales Jr., took some time out of their busy day to speak to Morning Anchor Joey Vergilis about the block party, and what its been like to take over the beloved market.

We’re just trying to bring the community all together and show that we all can be together and just have a lot of fun,” said Desales Sr. “Doing pumpkin painting, face painting. All our food vendors will be sampling out a bunch of food and live music, and I just expect everybody to have a good time and come together and enjoy the moment, enjoy the weekend.”

The Desales pair took over as owners earlier the year after long-time owner John Dixon announced his retirement back in March. The market was heading towards shut down until the long-time employees decided to take over, keeping fresh produce available to the community, with the help of Philanthropists Wendy and Eric Schmidt.

“It’s makes me feel happy and I enjoy it. You know there’s a lot of, a lot of work to do, but together we’re doing very well, and we, I think we can take the store to another level that it should be.”

The block party will take place Saturday, October 25th from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Local vendors and farmers behind the very products you see sold at Tri-County Produce will be there to join in on the community celebration.

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