Category: keyt-local-news

Caleb Nguyen

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – One person died after their car crashed into a semi-truck on Highway 1 near Lompoc just after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Paramedics pronounced the solo driver in the passenger vehicle dead at the scene and the semi-truck driver suffered minor injuries from the crash at Jalama Road, according to the SBCFD.

Highway 1 is closed in both directions as of 3:30 and drivers are advised to seek alternate routes, according to the SBCFD.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Losing vision can make everyday life increasingly difficult, but a type of specialized care is helping some patients regain abilities they thought were gone.

John Daly spent years watching his eyesight decline. About three years ago, his vision loss became severe enough that he could no longer read, drive or even see what he was writing.

Daly tried several optometrists without finding a solution before eventually coming to Dr. Andrew Bock, a low-vision optometrist serving patients in the Santa Barbara area.

Low-vision care is designed for people whose eyesight cannot be fully corrected through conventional glasses, contact lenses or treatment. The specialty focuses on helping patients make better use of the vision they still have.

“Low vision is not the easiest thing to understand or describe,” Bock said. “It’s where glasses and or contacts don’t allow people to do the things they love to do.”

What that means can vary from patient to patient. Some may need help reading or recognizing faces, while others want to use a computer, watch television or better navigate their surroundings.

Specialized lenses, magnification and electronic devices can be tailored to those individual needs.

For Daly, electronic glasses made a dramatic difference.

“When he put the glasses on me the first time and I was able to read I got all choked up because it was a miracle,” Daly said.

Bock works with patients who may have gone years without being able to perform certain tasks and may not realize low-vision care is an option.

Daly hopes his experience brings more attention to a specialty that often goes unseen.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – After a recent massive house fire on the Santa Barbara Eastside, residents are coming together to help the residents who are displaced.

Ten residents including a small child lived in the home.

Flames were shooting out in all directions when Santa Barbara Firefighters arrived but they could not save the structure.  The cause is under investigation.

Hearing of the tragedy some residents nearby mobilized immediately.

“We said we had to do something. We had to help,” said Community Leader Sebastian Aldana. He and his wife went to the house.

“People are coming together in different ways,” said Aldana.

Donations so far have included clothing and personal necessities.     

The people who lost their housing were not all from the same family and are trying to relocate, even temporarily.

One of the residents recalled the morning of the fire and how he was yelling for everyone to get out. “The house is burning,” said Jose Mancillias. “I talked to my roommate ‘standup the house is burning’!” Later that day, people started to come together to help, “they offered us some clothes, shoes and water,” said Mancillias. He said Aldana took him nearby for lunch.

Two neighbors who were riding their bikes nearby Sunday saw a gathering, then went to Trader Joe’s to get five $50-dollar gift cards to donate.

“We were just going to the beach and I said ‘there they are’ so it was a good opportunity to stop. I wanted to figure out a way to help,” said Dana Jennings. “I was really sad, we bike here all the time. We saw kids things in the front yard. It was sad to see how they could lose everything.”

Aldana said, “it is just shows everybody’s heart. It’s beautiful people in this neighborhood.”

Norma Aldana was sorting through clothing and said, “everybody was in shock to tell you the truth. And then everything was rolling in. I am so happy I live here.” A new neighbor to the area at 1001 Montecito St. near the corner of Alisos St. has opened her yard for donations. She was a 2018 mudslide victim and knows about a major loss.

They credit a social media post from community leader Tere Jurado with activating the community.

She says they need gift cards and cash to begin rebuilding their housing security.

Norma Aldana said even with the fire, some of the residents “went to work. The next day they went to work. They are hard workers.”

Tori Horn was one of the residents and says she is amazed at the community support. “She has reached out to me to help me try to find permanent housing or something to rent and clothes. It is very heartfelt.” She has a little girl who lost her belongings and toys.

“The Eastside has really come together,” said Horn.

One neighbor Christy Mahar said, “so far we have a storage unit” they are filling up. ” It’s been amazing with my work colleagues at Apfolio donating funds to help the families directly,” and school parents in the area were all helping along with Ocean Hills church.

Quoting her daughters book she said, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

The Red Cross provided three nights in a hotel. Social Services provided 16 days of housing assistance.

They are getting not only support from the neighborhood, but from Santa Barbara County Social Services and the American Red Cross.

For community members who have gift cards they can be provided in a secure donation with Sebastian Aldana at SBSEBAS@gmail com.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Dignity Health physicians in Santa Maria issued a public health warning, advising California residents about the dangers extreme heat poses to heart health.

Yesterday the Fire Department declared a red flag warning for some inland parts of Santa Barbara County for the rest of the week.

While the fire department focuses on environmental concerns, the health system emphasizes that elevated temperatures create significant physical stress, particularly for older adults and individuals living with cardiovascular disease.

Doctors say when ambient temperatures rise, the human heart must pump harder and faster to help cool the body. 

“Santa Maria is a uniquely positioned city where we are at risk for these late summer heat waves,” says Dr. Kirsten Shaw, a noninvasive cardiologist at Dignity Health’s Coastal Valley Medical Center.

High temperatures can increase heart rate, lower blood volume through dehydration and disrupt electrolyte balance, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses, heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular complications.

“A lot of people underestimate the impact that high heat can have on your body,” says Dr. Shaw. “And oftentimes you can feel pretty well, but still can be having some early signs of negative impacts. Don’t underestimate the heat.”

Physicians say adults age 65 and older face the highest risk during periods of elevated temperatures, along with anyone living with heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure or a history of stroke. 

“All of our stations are ALS equipped, so we have a paramedic on every piece of equipment that we have,” says Mike Gray, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. “With that comes all the equipment that a paramedic would carry.”

Additionally, people taking medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers or A.C.E. inhibitors can be vulnerable.

Outdoor workers, athletes and first responders who spend extended time in the heat are also at elevated risk.

“I would just urge people to stay aware of conditions and sign up for alerts at ReadySBC.org,” says Gray.

People are also advised to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, take frequent breaks in shaded areas, consult health care providers about medication effects and check on older family members and neighbors.

Recognizing warning signs is critical for preventing severe health emergencies.

“Don’t wait to start to feel terrible from the heat before you take a break,” says Dr. Shaw. “Take more frequent breaks early and often to really protect yourself and your health.”

Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, fainting or difficulty breathing may indicate a serious heat-related medical event requiring immediate attention.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The aerial medical transport service known as CALSTAR is rebranding under a new name and at the same time beginning a new emergency blood program.

CALSTAR is well-known on the Central Coast for providing critical helicopter transportation for people who are critically injured or ill and need urgent medical attention.

In a release, CALSTAR said the Santa Maria operation is entering a new chapter under the name REACH Air Medical Services, transitioning from the former brand. REACH is owned by Global Medical Response, Inc., the nation’s largest provider of ground and air emergency medical services.

Flights will now be known as “REACH 38” and will continue to provide emergency medical care to patients in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern counties.

On Tuesday, REACH 38 unveiled a new life-saving service that places blood components on each flight, allowing crews to begin blood transfusions on patients before they reach the hospital.

“When a patient is experiencing significant blood loss, time is critical,” Michael Coglianese, REACH clinical educator said in a release. “Blood carries oxygen to the body’s vital organs, and the longer those organs go without adequate oxygen, the greater the risk of irreversible damage. By initiating transfusions at the scene of an emergency, clinicians can begin the same treatment often provided in a hospital emergency department, but 20 to 30 minutes sooner.”

REACH added the new program is done in collaboration through a partnership with Houchin Community Blood Bank, and will help supply and support the blood products carried by REACH 38 crews.

“Houchin Community Blood Bank is honored to expand our partnership with REACH, Houchin Community Blood Bank CEO Jonathan Bautista said in a release. “By providing blood products for their prehospital program, we’re helping ensure patients receive critical care as early as possible. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to saving lives across the region.”

With the start of the new program, REACH said there is now an updated hangar and operational facility at Santa Maria Airport, which will support aircraft readiness, crew operations, and the ability to maintain 24/7 emergency response capabilities throughout the region.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The first Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Luncheon of the year handed out their first two awards as well.

Bishop Diego High School junior running back Sam Boeddeker is the Male Athlete of the Week while Santa Barbara High School volleyball player Blake Saunders claims the Female Athlete of the Week.

Boeddeker scored three touchdowns to lead the Cardinals to a season-opening 37-24 win at Paso Robles.

He totaled 164 yards on the ground and on defense he registered 13 tackles along with 3 quarterback hurries.

The senior Saunders had a busy and productive week for the Dons. She had 40 kills to lead the Dons to a 4-1 record and a third place finish in the Bishop Diego Cardinal Classic.

Before that tournament she totaled 26 kills in two matches against Valencia (win) and Newbury Park (loss).

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Short and sweet.

After two successful seasons Matt Jordan has resigned as head basketball coach of the San Marcos High School boys basketball team.

“After two seasons, I have resigned from my position as Head Boys Basketball Coach at San Marcos High School,” said Jordan. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have led the program and especially thankful for the players, coaches, families, and members of the San Marcos community who were part of my time here. I am proud of what we accomplished together and of the relationships we built along the way. I wish the players and the San Marcos basketball program continued success moving forward.”

During his two-year tenure, Jordan compiled an impressive overall record of 43-15, building a competitive foundation for the program:

2024–25 Season: Led the Royals to a 21–8 overall record and an 11–3 mark in Channel League play, finishing second in the conference.

2025–26 Season: Improved to 22–7 overall and 12–2 in league play, securing another second-place finish in the Channel League.

2026 CIF Southern Section Division 2 Playoffs: Advanced with a dominant 69–51 victory over Calabasas in the opening round before closing out the season in the second round against Rancho Verde.

“We are extremely grateful to Coach Jordan for his good work as the coach of our basketball program,” said San Marcos High School Principal Dare Holdren. “We wish him all the best moving forward.”

In Jordan’s absence, the San Marcos basketball program is currently being overseen by its coaching staff. The administration will announce plans regarding the search for the program’s next head coach in the near future.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – On Monday, the Supreme Court handed President Trump a win on Monday in his fight to impose restrictions on mail-in voting.

The United State Supreme Court Justices voted 6-3 in favor of the executive order.

The vote lifts a lower court injunction and paves the way for President Trump to impose restrictions on mail-in ballots, but due to other court orders, it won’t impact the upcoming Nov. 3rd midterm election.

“Today, the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door for the Trump Administration to try to make it harder for Americans to vote. But today’s decision was not a ruling on the merits, and this fight is far from over,” California Attorney General Bonta shared Monday. “As I have said from the beginning, the U.S. Constitution gives the President no authority over how states administer their elections. We will continue to use every legal tool at our disposal to fight back against unlawful federal overreach whenever it occurs.”

The president signed an executive order in the spring that instructs the Department of Homeland Security to create lists of U.S. citizens that will be sent to states before an election.

It would make it a priority to investigate ballots coming from people who are not listed as eligible to vote.

It would require states to give the United States Postal Service a list of voters who will be recieving mailed ballots and it would prohibit those not on the list from getting a ballot in the mail.

The Santa Barbara Clerk Recorder Joe Holland said he is still reviewing the 37-page decision.

But he said the elections offices will not be doing anything different in November, and mail-in voting will begin in early October.

We asked several voters for their reaction.

“I think that mail-in ballots are safe and valid and should be respected at all costs because it is peoples way of voting,” said Anjali Vincelette.

“My first thought is if he is challenging mail-in ballots it probably hurt him in some way, I don’t know the full research on it, but knowing the track record with the president they probably hurt him,” said Joaquin Santamaria.

But Santamaria said he prefers to vote-in person.

805 Patriots founder Charles DiMauro would like to see Election Day become a holiday that allows people to go to the polls to vote.

“I honestly believe this is a very big stepping stone for President Trump, for voting here in United States, but honestly I believe that mail-in ballots shouldn’t even be a thing, or at least be very few of them for people that actually need them, um, voting day should be a national holiday where everything has to be shut down everyone does not have an excuse to go vote go in person with a voter ID, simple as that,” said DiMauro.

People are welcome to register to vote until 15 days before the election.

The last day to register in this election is Oct. 19.

You can register in person or online.

For more information visit https://RegisterToVote.ca.gov.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – As they begin their community college education, some students at Santa Barbara City College are getting many new options to navigate their future.

They are hitting the ground with a plan and if they are uncertain, there are many resources from student clubs to tutoring.

Student Trustee Solea Heredia was at the information table and said, “everyone is a little bit lost on the first day and that is why we are here.”

She answered questions and even walked some students to their classes to talk about a successful start to their education at SBCC.

The school is ready if students feel the studying is overwhelming.

“Oh my goodness. Our tutoring programming here on campus here is amazing. I have tutored a few classes myself in the biology department. I have attended tutoring for almost every single class I have attended,” said Heredia.

One local high school student now starting at SBCC said, “we are already meeting a lot of new people and people are very welcoming here,” said Brianna Ramirez. Her first teacher was very welcoming,  “I was scared that teachers were not going to be very understanding and college was going to be more independent, but he seems to be very understanding and I am thankful for that. “

Local high school students are getting the first two years through the Promise Program, which covers books and tuition. That takes the financial burden away for the student or their family.

SBCC President Dr.  Erika Endrijonas said, “we also help them make better financial choices going forward because they don’t have to carry debt for the first two years of their education.”

A student hoping to learn marketing and possible start his own business.

Andres Razo said the financial help will make a difference, “I was a little worried but I was surprised that I actually got it because I was able to purchase my stuff at the store.”

For those who are on campus for the first time there is a new app, that will not only show them where their classes are, but also help them join clubs and attend events. Neo Quad is now just at Santa Barbara City College but the inventors how to take it to multiple schools.

SBCC Communications Director Jorden Killabrew, “our campus could be a little difficult to find things and students can just type in a course or a class they are looking for and it will take them right there.”

Ervin Young is one of the inventors of NeoQuad, “and from many many students we have heard that they just blossomed when they discovered their first club and made their friends and that is something that we want to inspire students to do. “

Using the app, you can not only locate where you want to go, but it will show a route and the time it will take, similar to what you can do with driving.  In this case it is for walking across the campus.

Going forward SBCC leaders say as the job market may change, the students can pivot for new positions.

Dr. Endrijonas said, “think about other types so that you are more of a contingency planner. If one avenue doesn’t work out another one will probably work out for you. “

She also says the school has many classes for adults who are returning to pivot in their careers, or learn new skills to advance either in the work place or just for their hobbies.   

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Local fire crews are poised and ready for any calls for assistance to help fight the Hawk Fire burning near Reno, Nevada.

In just two days, the Hawk Fire has rapidly spread to an area of 15,000 acres in Washoe County, Nevada.

90,000 residents have been issued evacuation orders or warnings, and Nevada governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County.

Three civilians and three first responders have been hurt so far, but there are no reported fatalities at this time.

In the wake of the governor’s declaration of emergency conditions, Washoe County cancelled classes for its local schools today.

Multiple structures and vehicles have been destroyed and the power is out for thousands in the vicinity.

The cause is currently under investigation but fire officials say it appears people started the fire.

Over 800 personnel are battling the wildfire, including local hand crews as well as engines, aerial resources and bulldozers, some of which has been provided by Cal Fire.

“The fire started and quickly gained in size,” says Robert Foxworthy, Cal Fire Public Information Officer. “So they sent the closest resources that were available. So majority of the resources that are currently assigned to the Hawk Fire are all local Cal Fire resources to that area. So the Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit, Tehama-Glenn, Lassen-Modoc.”

Cal Fire officials say many of their out-of-state assets have just returned from other fires in Washington and Oregon, but have not received any calls for assistance from Nevada.

Local officials say multi-state fire responses such as this are growing in size and frequency, so local teams are ready to respond should the call come in.

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